2022 Hilton Head International Piano Competition Program Book

H I LT O N H E A D I N T E R N A T I O N A L P I A N O C O M P E T I T I O N

2O22 HHIPC MARCH 7TH-14TH HHIPC.ORG

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HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

MARCH 7TH-14TH MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Hilton Head International Piano Competition is to encourage and support excellence in the performance of classical piano music by showcasing the talents of young pianists on the threshold of their careers in a competition adjudicated by internationally acclaimed judges, and to offer additional performance opportunities.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

15 SCHEDULE MBASSADOR 19 A PROGRAM 20 MEET THE JURIES

7 Welcome Letter from the Mayor 9 Welcome letter from HHSO’s CEO 11 W elcome from the Competition Director 14 Master Classes 26 John Morris Russell

29 TRIBUTE TO MONA HUFF

27 Competition Prizes

EET THE 34 M COMPETITORS

59 Past Prize Winners

62 HOST FAMILIES

70 Competition Committee

84 SAVE-THE-DATES

80 Photo Highlights

54 Competitors’ Favorite Thing to Do When Not Playing the Piano 66 Donors/88 Key Society 72 Volunteers

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WELCOME FROM THE MAYOR Greetings!

Welcome to the 2022 Hilton Head International Piano Competition (“HHIPC”), a feather in the cap of our community, bringing great pride to our Island with its renowned reputation! I am excited to welcome the pianists, judges, loyal followers, and, of course, the many newcomers.

JOHN J. MCCANN MAYOR

This year’s Competition features twenty 18–30-year-old artists competing in four exciting rounds. The First Prize winner earns a return engagement as soloist with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, and other performance opportunities. The prestigious 2022 juries are comprised of ten internationally acclaimed pianists from numerous countries.

Be sure to enjoy the special events during the week which are open to the public and include Master Classes given by the judges to competitors who are not advancing beyond Round II. I stand and applaud these talented young artists, and all those working behind the scenes who truly stand behind the HHIPC Mission, “…to encourage and support excellence in the performance of classical piano music by showcasing the talents of young pianists…”

On behalf of the Town of Hilton Head Island, I invite you to enjoy everything this year’s Hilton Head International Piano Competition has to offer!

Sincerely yours,

John J. McCann Mayor

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Art s & cult u re Arts & culture WHEN IT COMES TO

WHEN IT COMES TO

HILTON HEAD ISLAND GETS A STANDING OVATION

HILTON HEAD ISLAND GETS A STANDING OVATION For a 12-mile-long by five-mile-wide barrier island, Hilton Head Island offers numerous arts and cultural experiences. With some of the finest art galleries, live music venues, and dance and theater productions happening year-round, Hilton Head Island’s arts and culture scene is second to none. Bravo!

For a 12-mile-long by five-mile-wide barrier island, Hilton Head Island offers numerous arts and cultural experiences. With some of the finest art galleries, live music venues, and dance and theater productions happening year-round, Hilton Head Island’s arts and culture scene is second to none.

Bravo!

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WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO On behalf of the entire Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra family, welcome to the 27th Annual Hilton Head International Piano Competition and the 25th actual competition! (We have included two festivals during the run, in 2018 and 2021.)

Normally, the requirements for producing letters in advance to accommodate program production timelines would not be an issue; but, in these unique times, we cannot anticipate events five or six weeks out with certainty. That said, we have proceeded over the past many months with the presumption that our competition will take place, in person, with 20 competitors from across the globe being able to get to Hilton Head Island; with generous patrons welcoming these competitors into their homes for ten days; with all the venues available to us for the various rounds; and with steadfast patrons feeling comfortable to attend live events.

Never before has the complication of this major undertaking — with all of its production details—been so apparent and remarkable. That our HHIPC staff and volunteers are able to bring this competition to fruition on schedule in March, 2022, is a testament to their dedication and passion. We are so grateful to everyone who has helped in pulling this off!

ALAN JORDAN

PRESIDENT AND CEO HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Special tribute is due our HHIPC Director, Mona Huff, who has announced her retirement following the competition and all the post-competition activities. As a newbie — still! — Mona has always been the personification of the HHIPC for me. I know others started and cultivated this special annual event for our region, and we are truly grateful to all these people, but Mona has been the heart and soul (dare I say, the matriarch?) of the HHIPC for the last 12 years and we hope this competition will be one for her that is full of cherished memories for a long time.

Whether you are a year-round or seasonal resident, or just visiting Hilton Head Island for the competition, we hope you will also take away wonderful memories of amazing performances.

We are so grateful to Steinway & Sons; the Town of Hilton Head Island; our competition venues, our business sponsors and individual and foundation supporters; our home, dinner, and piano host families; our HHIPC volunteers; John Morris Russell and the HHSO musicians; our esteemed judges; our competitors; and everyone else who contributes to this special event.

Please enjoy the 2022 Hilton Head International Piano Competition!

Sincerely,

Alan Jordan President and CEO HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

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MAR 26 From ballet to bold, this breathtaking dance company astounds audiences with cutting-edge dance!

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WELCOME FROM THE COMPETITION DIRECTOR Welcome to the 25th Hilton Head International Piano Competition!

These past two years have presented many challenges due to the pandemic. Nonetheless, we have managed to carry on. In 2020, we were able to complete the HHIPC Finals just as the island shut down. We were also able to present the BravoPiano! Festival in 2021, though we had to move it to June. We are grateful that we could keep our promise to provide extraordinary piano music that enriches our lives throughout these troubling times.

I want to extend a warm welcome to our competitors. We love being able to share this beautiful place we call home with them. We are so pleased to provide these talented artists with opportunities to perform and grateful that they are willing to share their artistry with us.

How lucky we are to hear them!

Thank you to our incredibly talented panel of judges, each of whom is an internationally celebrated pianist, as well as a distinguished teacher of piano. We greatly appreciate the time they give and their willingness to share their expertise. All of our competitors benefit from the feedback they receive from the jury, both in the adjudication process and during discussions after the competition has ended.

MONA HUFF COMPETITION DIRECTOR

Thanks once again to the many members of the greater Hilton Head community who have opened their homes and hearts to all those involved in the Competition. The host families and over 100 volunteers see to the needs of our competitors, jurors and audience. The Competition Committee works tirelessly throughout the entire year coordinating all the details of the Competition. A big thank you goes to Maestro John Morris Russell and our Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra for their participation in the Finals. And a very special thanks to our audience members who offer such an enthusiastic welcome to each competitor.

I must also mention the many businesses which support us through contributions, both cash and in-kind. The magnificent pianos on which the music is played are compliments of Steinway & Sons, and they come all the way from New York City. Our two venues—St. Lukes Church and First Presbyterian Church— set aside their own needs to accommodate us. Dozens of local businesses place ads in the program book, and individual donors provide support through the 88 Key Society and other fundraising endeavors. Without their generosity, there would be no HHIPC. This is a bittersweet time for me as I will be retiring at the end of this season. These past 12 years have been the most rewarding, exciting, and fulfilling time of my work life. I would like to thank all the committee members and supporters of the HHIPC for making this job such a joy. I anticipate that the next person to lead the competition will expand the impact of the HHIPC in new and interesting ways, and I know you will be there to lend support.

Please enjoy this magnificent week of music.

Mona Huff Competition Director HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

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piano highlights at #SMF2022

Thursday, March 24 6 pm

BENJAMIN GROSVENOR, PIANO Trinity United Methodist Church

Saturday, March 26 6 pm

OLGA KERN, PIANO

Trinity United Methodist Church

SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL

March 24–April 9, 2022

Saturday, April 2 3 pm

SEBASTIAN KNAUER, PIANO

Trinity United Methodist Church

more information & Tickets: savannahmusicfestival.org box office: 912.525.5050

Friday, April 8 6 pm

ACADEMY OF ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS WIND ENSEMBLE WITH SIMON CRAWFORDPHILLIPS Trinity United Methodist Church

WELCOME FROM STEINWAY & SONS Dear Distinguished Competitor, On behalf of Steinway & Sons, I would like to congratulate you on your selection to the 2022 Hilton Head International Piano Competition. That you’ve come this far is a testament to your talent, dedication, and hard work.

We are honored that Steinway is the official piano of the Competition and proud to sponsor an organization with such a noble goal—that of promoting classical piano music and showcasing the talents of committed musicians.

GAVIN ENGLISH PRESIDENT STEINWAY & SONS

I sincerely hope that your experience at Hilton Head is a memory you will cherish for years to come, and that your artistry and love of the piano and its repertoire will be further enhanced as a result of your participation. I wish you all the best this week and throughout your musical career.

Best regards,

Gavin English, President Steinway & Sons Americas

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MASTER CLASSES . LECTURE/RECITAL UNDERWRITTEN BY A GIFT FROM THE GREAT FRAME UP

FRIDAY, MARCH 11

St. Luke’s Church, 50 Pope Avenue 9:30 am – 4:55 pm $10 admission for general public – Free admission for 88 Key Society and Piper members On Friday, March 11, six competitors who did not advance to the finals will have the opportunity to perform in Master Classes with one of the competition judges. Each judge will select a competitor and give a 45-minute public lesson on selections from the competitor’s competition repertoire. The pairings of judges and competitors will be announced by the Jury Chairman following the announcement of the three finalists.

MASTER CLASSES TIME 9:30 – 10:15 am 10:25 – 11:10 am 11:20 am – 12:05 pm

JUDGE Logan Skelton Robin McCabe Fabio Bidini

Lunch Break followed by Lecture/Recital 2:20 – 3:05 pm 3:15 – 4:00 pm 4:10 – 4:55 pm

Cecile Licad Awadagin Pratt Olga Kern

1:10 pm -- 2:10 pm Lecture/Recital Jon Kimura Parker, 2022 Hilton Head International Piano Competition Jury Chair, will give a Lecture/Recital entitled “Fantasies Three Ways” Does the word ‘fantasy’ imply a lack of formal structure? A single motivic idea for a work? Or something more?

These three works explore the concept of ‘fantasy’ in unique ways.

Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata (sonata quasi una fantasia) Schubert’s “Wanderer” Fantasy William Hirtz’s “Wizard of Oz” Fantasy 14

2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE March 7 – 14, 2022

ROUND I Monday, March 7 & Tuesday, March 8 1:30 pm – 4:35 pm & 7:00 pm – 9:05 pm St. Luke’s Church — open seating ROUND II Wednesday, March 9 & Thursday, March 10 1:30 pm – 5:05 pm & 7:00 pm – 9:25 pm St. Luke’s Church — open seating MASTER CLASSES • LECTURE/RECITAL Friday, March 11 Master Classes 9:30 am – 12:05 pm Lunch Break 12: 05 pm – 1:05 pm Lecture/Recital 1:10 pm – 2:10 pm Master Classes 2:20 pm – 4:55 pm St. Luke’s Church — open seating ROUND III—SEMIFINALS Saturday, March 12 1:00 pm – 4:45 pm & 7:30 pm – 9:15 pm First Presbyterian Church — reserved seating ROUND IV Finals and Awards Ceremony Monday, March 14 - 7:00 pm • Doors open 6:00 pm 3 finalists play full concertos with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra First Presbyterian Church—reserved seating Tickets may be purchased at all Competition venues, online at www.hhipc.org, or by calling the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Box Office at 843-842-2055

COMPETITION ETIQUETTE • As a courtesy to competitors, please refrain from conversation and remain in your seat during a performance.

• D uring Competition rounds, audience members may enter or leave only between each competitor’s performance and not between pieces.

• Please do not applaud until each competitor has concluded the performance of the final selection of his or her program.

• Children must be eight or older and accompanied by an adult to be admitted.

• No smoking, eating, or drinking is permitted in the Competition Hall.

• Only authorized use of cameras and recording equipment is permitted in the Competition Hall.

• Please silence all electronic time pieces, cell phones, and other electronics while in the Competition Hall.

• Please check hhipc.org for the safety protocols in effect throughout the competition.

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COMPETITOR SELECTION JURY UNSUNG HEROES

When the application period for the 2022 Competition closed on September 30, 2021, there were 165 submissions.

So how are the 20 pianists who come to Hilton Head in March selected? This daunting responsibility rests with the Competitor Selection Jury (CSJ). The three professors of piano who comprised the Selection jury are no less accomplished than the members of the Competition Jury who c ome to adjudicate, and they work just as hard.

Competitor selection is a two-part process First, the jurors spend six weeks in their studios and homes reviewing the applicants’ audition videos. None has an affiliation with any of the applicants—this is forbidden by competition rules.

All evaluations are done blind—jurors know the applicants only by number. Information such as where and with whom an applicant is studying could inadvertently introduce bias.

Applicants submit at least three video files reflecting works of contrasting styles and periods totaling 20 - 30 minutes, and the judges listen to all.

At the end of the remote evaluations, the applicant pool will have been reduced somewhat because all three judges have independently rated some applicants as not yet ready to compete at the HHIPC. At this or any other point in the process, judges cannot see their peers' ratings, nor do they communicate.

THE UNHERALDED WORK THE CSJ DOES BEHIND THE SCENES LAYS THE FOUNDATION FOR A SUCCESSFUL COMPETITION.

In November, CSJ members travel to Hilton Head to complete the task. They settle into a quiet, comfortable room with state-of-the-art equipment at Custom Audio Video’s showroom in Bluffton. They listen again, sometimes more than once, to the multiple pieces of repertoire applicants have chosen to showcase their talents. At the end of three intense 10-hour days, the jury selects the 20 competitors who will be invited to play in the HHIPC plus several alternates. They utilize a numerical scoring system all agree to, a system that allows for discrimination among applicants of similar talents. The process is as fair as it could be, and executed professionally without any discussion.

The rigorous, transparent way HHIPC selects competitors is one of the HHIPC’s acknowledged strengths in the world of international piano competitions. It is instrumental in helping us attract top-drawer competitors and judges.

The HHIPC is extremely grateful to this year’s Competitor Selection Jury – Angela Cheng, Marina Lomazov, and Boris Slutsky - professionals with “great ears” whose work ensures the success of the Competition.

LIVE STREAMING A few short months ago, most of us needed an education about livestreaming. Not anymore! Enthusiastically or not, we have entered the digital word of streamed music.

Now people everywhere in the world can experience the drama and excitement at the core of the HHIPC, something only live audiences could enjoy a few years ago.

Streaming provides competitors an opportunity to perform on the international stage for an international audience – a critically important part of advancing their careers, and a principal motivation for applying to our competition.

DURING THE PAST TWO COMPETITIONS, This year’s competitors hail from seven countries and three continents—North America, Europe and Asia. By live streaming PEOPLE IN MORE THAN 60 COUNTRIES TUNED both the solo rounds and the finals, supporters back home IN TO THE HHIPC VIA STREAMING. CLEARLY, can participate in the excitement of watching prize-winning THE AUDIENCE FOR THE HHIPC IS GLOBAL. performances in real time.

Our local audiences and host families also benefit from livestreaming, being able to enjoy more of the competition than they may be able to attend in person. At the times that you cannot attend this week, we encourage you to livestream. It’s fun, it’s easy it’s modern, and your grandchildren will be impressed!

Access the live stream on our website www.hhipc.org.

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AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

First offered in 2003, the Ambassador Program will again be part of the 2022 Hilton Head International Piano Competition. Competitors visit area preschools, elementary, middle and high schools to perform for groups of enraptured students. They play selections from their competition repertoire as well as favorite native works. There is plenty of time to interact with the students, providing information about the pieces and composers, and to engage in conversation about their musical studies and life in their home countries. Not only do these sessions assist schools in satisfying some state curricular requirements, but they can also be quite entertaining since children often ask unexpected and humorous questions!

The Ambassador Program is not only an opportunity for competitors to perform and share the experience of mastering their craft in a relaxed setting with young people, it gives them a taste of the educational possibilities they are likely to be involved with in the future. As for the students, it is the first time many will hear classical music, or attend a LIVE musical performance of any kind.

The Hilton Head International Piano Competition hopes these visits awaken musical excitement in the students of Beaufort County, and encourage our young people to strive and excel at whatever endeavors they wish to accomplish.

Recently, the HHIPC added senior-living communities to this popular program.

Should in-person visits not be possible this year, we will Zoom from SoundWaves.

These educational visits are made possible through a generous grant from Gulfstream Aerospace.

2022 PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS Confirmed at publication

Red Cedar Elementary • Sea Pines Montessori • Boys & Girls Club - Hilton Head & Bluffton St. Gregory the Great School • Hilton Head Elementary School for the Creative Arts TidePointe • The Cypress • The Seabrook

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COMPETITOR SELECTION JURY

ANGELA CHENG, CANADA Consistently praised for her brilliant technique, tonal beauty, and superb musicianship, Canadian pianist Angela Cheng is one of her country’s national treasures.

During the 2019/2020 season, Ms. Cheng served as an Artistic Partner of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra where she performed three concertos throughout the season.

Other highlights of the season included return engagements with the symphonies of Vancouver, Victoria, and Nova Scotia. In the U.S., Ms. Cheng performed with the symphonies of Fort Worth, Oklahoma City, Richmond and Canton, as well as the IRIS Chamber Orchestra.

Angela Cheng has given concerts in Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and the 92nd Street Y in New York. She has also performed in the Musikverein in Vienna, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, the Mariinsky Concert Hall in St. Petersburg and the Sydney Opera House. She has appeared at the Verbier, Edinburgh, Miyazaki, St. Petersburg/Stars of the White Nights, and Enescu/Romania Festivals.

An avid recitalist, Angela Cheng appears regularly on recital series throughout the United States and Canada and has collaborated with numerous chamber ensembles including the Takács, Colorado, and Vogler quartets. Festival appearances have included Banff, Bravo! Vail, Chautauqua, Colorado, Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, La Jolla’s SummerFest, Ravinia, Vancouver, the Festival International de Lanaudière in Quebec, Toronto Summer Music Festival, the Cartegena International Music Festival in Colombia and the Schleswig-Holstein festival in Germany.

BORIS SLUTSKY, UNITED STATES Acclaimed for his exquisite tonal beauty and superb artistry, Boris Slutsky emerged on the international music scene when he captured First Prize and two others at the 1981 William Kapell International (University of Maryland) Piano Competition. Other accomplishments include first prizes at the Kosciuszko Chopin Competition and San Antonio International Keyboard Competition, and major prizes at the International Bach Competition in Memory of Glenn Gould, Busoni, Rina Sala Gallo, and Ettore Pozzoli International Piano Competitions.

Since his orchestral debut at Carnegie Hall in 1980, Slutsky has appeared on nearly every continent as soloist and recitalist. He has performed with the London Philharmonic, Stuttgart State Orchestra and Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Neuss am Rhein, Bern Symphony Orchestra, Bergen Philharmoni, RAI Orchestra (Milan), KBS Symphony Orchestra (Korea), and major orchestras in Spain, Russia, Columbia, Brazil and South Africa. His North American engagements include concerts with the Baltimore, Florida, Utah, and Toronto Symphonies.

Slutsky has been heard on recital series throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America, and the Far East, making appearances at the Kennedy Center, the Kaufmann Concert Hall, Bunka Kaikan in Tokyo, National Concert Hall in Taipei, Performing Arts Center in Seoul, and Teatro Colon in Bogota, among others.

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2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

COMPETITOR SELECTION JURY

An avid chamber musician, Slutsky’s more than two decades of chamber music collaborations include the critically acclaimed recording of Schumann’s Sonatas for Violin and Piano with Ilya Kaler (Naxos).

Slutsky has presented master classes throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, and served as a jury member for many international piano competitions.

Slutsky received his early training at Moscow’s Gnessin School for Gifted Children as a student of Anna Kantor. His other teachers included Nadia Reisenberg, Nina Svetlanova, John Browning, Joseph Seiger, and his longtime mentor Alexander Eydleman.

Slutsky joined the faculty of the Peabody Conservatory in 1993. In the fall of 2019 he was appointed Visiting Professor of Piano at the Yale School of Music.

MARINA LOMAZOV, UKRAINE / UNITED STATES Praised by critics as “a diva of the piano”, “a mesmerizing risk-taker”, “dazzling, “and “simply spectacular,” Ukrainian-American pianist Marina Lomazov has established herself as one of the most passionate and charismatic performers on the concert scene today.

Following prizes at these international competitions—Cleveland, William Kapell, Gina Bachauer and Hilton Head—Ms. Lomazov has given performances throughout North America, South America, China, England, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Russia, Japan and in nearly all of the fifty states in the U.S. She has given major debuts in New York (Weill-Carnegie Hall) Boston (Symphony Hall), Chicago (Dame Myra Hess Concert Series), Los Angeles (Museum of Art), Shanghai (Oriental Art Center) and Kiev (Kiev International Music Festival). She has performed as soloist with the Boston Pops, Rochester Philharmonic, Eastman Philharmonia, Chernigov Philharmonic (Ukraine), KUG Orchester Graz (Austria), Bollington Festival Orchestra (England), Piccolo Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Spokane Symphony, Brevard Festival Orchestra, South Carolina Philharmonic, Ohio and Missouri Chamber Orchestras and numerous others.

She has served as a jury member for the Cleveland International Piano Competition, Eastman International Piano Competition, Minnesota International e-Piano Competition, National Federation Biennial Young Artist Auditions and is chair of the panel for the National Foundation for Advancement of the Arts, the organization that nominates Presidential Scholars in the arts.

Ms. Lomazov is a Professor of Piano at the Eastman School of Music. For 17 years she served on the faculty of the University of South Carolina School of Music, where she held the Ira McKissick Koger Professor of Fine Arts Music chair, and where she is currently a Visiting Guest Artist. Together with her husband and piano duo partner, Joseph Rackers, she co-founded and serves as Co-Artistic Director of the Southeastern Piano Festival in Columbia, South Carolina.

Marina Lomazov is a Steinway Artist.

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COMPETITION JURY

JON KIMURA PARKER, CANADA CHAIR

Pianist Jon Kimura Parker is known for his charisma, infectious enthusiasm, and dynamic performances. A veteran of the international concert stage, he has performed regularly in the Berlin Philharmonie, Carnegie Hall, London’s South Bank, the Sydney Opera House, and the Beijing Concert Hall. He was recently named Creative Partner for the Minnesota Orchestra’s Summer at Orchestra Hall, serves as the Artistic Director for the prestigious Honens International Piano Competition (Alberta, Canada), the Artistic Advisor for the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival (Washington state), and is on the faculty of the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University.

Highlights of recent seasons include performances of the Barber, Grieg, Tchaikovsky, and complete Beethoven concertos with the Toronto Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony, Colorado Music Festival, and others. He also appeared in programs for the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Ravinia Festival, Seattle Chamber Music Festival, and Toronto Summer Music. In addition, he performs widely throughout North America and Europe with the Montrose Trio (together with violinist Martin Beaver and cellist Clive Greensmith), and will be undertaking an extensive tour of Australia with violinist Cho-Liang Lin. A collaborator in a wide variety of styles, Jon Kimura Parker has performed with Doc Severinsen, Audra McDonald, Bobby McFerrin, Pablo Ziegler, and Sanjaya Malakar. As a founding member of Off the Score, he has also performed with Stewart Copeland – the legendary drummer of The Police – for the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival’s 20th Anniversary Season, featuring his own arrangements of music by Prokofiev, Ravel and Stravinsky.

Parker’s discography of a dozen albums features music ranging from Mozart and Chopin to Barber and Stravinsky. His most recent recording “Fantasy,” built around Schubert’s “Wanderer” Fantasy, was described by Musical Toronto as giving “a big, clear picture window of a rich soul and great artistic depth.” His YouTube channel features a series of Concerto Chat videos, which explore the piano concerto repertoire.

Jon Kimura Parker studied with Edward Parker and Keiko Parker, Lee Kum-Sing at the Vancouver Academy of Music and the University of British Columbia, Marek Jablonski at the Banff Centre, and Adele Marcus at The Juilliard School. After winning the Gold Medal at the 1984 Leeds International Piano Competition, Parker has gone on to become an Officer of The Order of Canada and to receive Honorary Doctorates from the University of British Columbia and the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto.

Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Parker is known to his friends as “Jackie.” He is married to violinist/violist Aloysia and lives in Houston with daughter Sophie. This is his second trip to Hilton Head, having played Gershwin’s Concerto in F with the HHSO at the finale of HHIPC’s first festival, BravoPiano!, in 2018.

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COMPETITION JURY

FABIO BIDINI, ITALY Fabio Bidini is widely recognized as one of today’s most important pianists and pedagogues.

His appearances have included performances with The London Symphony Orchestra, The Philharmonia Orchestra of London at Royal Festival Hall, San Francisco Symphony, New World Symphony, Dallas Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Budapest Festival Orchestra, Fort Worth Symphony, Philharmonia Orchestra Prague, and Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra.

Mr. Bidini has performed at many prestigious festivals throughout Europe. He is in great demand as a chamber music partner enjoying collaboration with numerous ensembles and artists. He is the pianist of the highly acclaimed ensemble Trio Solisti.

Mr. Bidini began his piano studies at the age of five. He graduated magna cum laude from the Cecilia Conservatory in Rome and studied composition at the Florence Conservatory.

He has been awarded first prize in eleven of Italy’s national piano competitions and has been the recipient of the top prizes awarded in eight international competitions – Terni, Köln, Busoni, Pretoria, Marsala, London and the Van Cliburn. He made his North American debut in 1993 with the Atlanta Symphony.

In 2015 the Colburn Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles founded the Carol Colburn Grigor Piano Chair for Fabio Bidini and he currently serves as faculty there. He has been Professor of Piano at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler in Berlin, one of Europe’s premier music conservatories He also serves as an artist-in-residence at the “Hochschule für Musik und Tanz” in Köln. Mr. Bidini is a Steinway Artist.

OLGA KERN, RUSSIA / UNITED STATES Russian-American pianist Olga Kern has established herself as one of the leading pianists of her generation. Born in Moscow to a family of musicians, she jumpstarted her US career with her historic Gold Medal win at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition (2001), the first woman to do so in more than 30 years.

First prize winner of the Rachmaninoff International Piano Competition at 17, Ms. Kern is a laureate of many international competitions. In 2016 she served as Jury Chairman of both the Cliburn International Amateur Piano Competition and the first Olga Kern International Piano Competition, where she also holds the title of Artistic Director. Ms. Kern frequently gives master classes and since September 2017, has served on the piano faculty of the Manhattan School of Music. Ms. Kern was appointed the Connie & Marc Jacobson Director of Chamber Music at the Virginia Arts Festival in 2019. She was honored with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in New York City in 2017.

Recent and upcoming highlights include performances with more than 20 orchestras, both domestic and international. In 2017-2018, Ms. Kern served as Artist in Residence with the San Antonio Symphony and accompanied the Chinese National Youth Orchestra on tour to China.

She has toured extensively in the United States with many international orchestras including the Royal National Scottish Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, National Philharmonic of Russia, Warsaw Philharmonic and others. She maintains an active recital schedule and has served on the jury of many international competitions.

Ms. Kern's extensive discography includes her Grammy nominated recording of Rachmaninoff’s Corelli Variations and Transcriptions plus nine additional recordings. She has been featured in several documentaries including the award-winning film about the 2001 Cliburn Competition, Playing on the Edge. She can be followed on Facebook (@olgakern and @olgakerncompetition), Instagram (kernolga) and Twitter(@kernolga1). Ms. Kern is a Steinway Artist.

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COMPETITION JURY

CECILE LICAD, PHILIPPINES Cecile Licad is considered the foremost Philippine pianist of our time. She began her piano studies at the age of three making her debut as soloist with the Philharmonic Orchestra in Manila at age seven. At twelve she was admitted to the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia studying with three renowned teachers: Rudolf Serkin, Mieczyslaw Horszowski, and Seymour Lipkin.

Her international career was launched in 1981 after receiving the prestigious Leventritt award gold medal. Since then, Miss Licad has been among the most traveled pianists in the world and has been soloist with most of the world’s important orchestras including Chicago, Cleveland, Boston, Philadelphia, and London symphonies, the NY Philharmonic, as well as the National Symphony and the major orchestras of Germany, Japan and Russia. Among the conductors she has worked with are Ozawa, Previn, Abaddo, Dutoit, Marriner, Ormandy and Solti.

Her appearances as a chamber artist include collaborations with some of the most celebrated instrumentalists of our time including the violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, cellist Alban Gerhardt, and pianist Peter Serkin, among many others. She has been soloist with the Guarneri, Takács and other leading string quartets.

Her Chopin CD was awarded the Grand Prix du Disque, and her recording of the music of Gottschalk (Naxos) has been a consistent best seller. Ms. Licad has a deep interest in the neglected piano music of American composers from the revolutionary era to the present, and her recent four CD’s of American piano music (Danacord label) have garnered extraordinary reviews throughout the world. Her next recording is the complete piano and orchestra works of Gershwin. Ms. Licad is a Steinway Artist.

ROBIN MCCABE, UNITED STATES Pianist Robin McCabe has established herself as one of America’s most communicative and persuasive artists. She has delighted audiences across the United States, Europe, Canada, South America and in seven concert tours of the Far East.

McCabe, earned her bachelor of music degree summa cum laude at the University of Washington School of Music, where she studied with Béla Siki, and her master’s and doctorate degrees at The Juilliard School of Music, where she studied with Rudolf Firkusny. She joined the Juilliard faculty in 1978, returning to the University of Washington in 1987 to accept a position on the piano faculty. In 1994 McCabe was appointed Director of the School of Music, a position she held until 2009.

McCabe is a dedicated arts ambassador and advocate for arts audience development. With colleague Craig Sheppard, she launched the highly successful Seattle Piano Institute, an intense summer “immersion experience” for gifted and aspiring classical pianists.

McCabe is the winner of numerous prizes and awards, including the International Concert Artists Guild Competition and a Rockefeller Foundation grant. She is the subject of a book titled Pianist’s Progress. Seattle magazine selected McCabe as one of 17 current and past UW professors who have had an impact on life in the Pacific Northwest. In 2005, to celebrate its 100th year as an institution, The Juilliard School selected McCabe as one of 100 alumni from 20,000 currently living to be profiled in its centenary publication recognizing distinction and accomplishments in the international world of music, dance, and theater.

Today McCabe is a sought-after teacher at the University of Washington, with students from around the world seeking admission to her studio. She appears often as a jurist for international piano competitions. In 2021 she was appointed Artistic Advisor to the Beijing Royal School, one of China’s top private academies, with a complete K-12 program and a distinctive international curriculum.

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2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

AWADAGIN PRATT, UNITED STATES Born in Pittsburgh, Awadagin Pratt began studying piano at the age of six and violin at nine. He entered the University of Illinois at 16 where he studied piano, violin, and conducting. Enrolling at the Peabody Conservatory of Music, he became the first student in the school’s history to receive diplomas in three performance areas – piano, violin and conducting.

Mr. Pratt won the Naumburg International Piano Competition (1992) and was awarded an Avery Fisher Career Grant in 1994. He has played numerous recitals throughout the U.S. including performances at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Chicago’s Orchestra Hall and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. His many orchestral performances include appearances with the New York Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra and the Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Baltimore, St. Louis, National, Detroit and New Jersey symphonies among others.

Summer festival engagements include appearances at Ravinia, Blossom, Wolftrap, Caramoor, Aspen and the Hollywood Bowl. Internationally, Mr. Pratt has toured Japan four times and performed in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Israel, Colombia and South Africa. An experienced conductor, he has conducted programs with several orchestras in the U.S. and Japan.

He is a frequent participant on international competition juries, such as the Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition in Israel, the Cleveland International Piano Competition, and Minnesota e-Competition.

In 2009, Mr. Pratt was one of four artists selected to perform at a classical music event at the White House including student workshops hosted by First Lady, Michelle Obama, and performing in concert for guests including President Obama. He has performed two other times at the White House, both at the invitation of President and Mrs. Clinton.

Mr. Pratt is currently a Professor of Piano at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati.

He also served as the Artistic Director of the World Piano Competition in Cincinnati and is currently the Artistic Director of the Art of the Piano Festival at CCM.

LOGAN SKELTON, UNITED STATES Logan Skelton is a much sought-after pianist, teacher and composer whose work has received international critical acclaim. As a performer, Skelton has concertized widely in the United States, Europe and Asia and has been featured on many national public radio and television stations, as well as on radio in China and national television in Romania. He has recorded numerous discs for Centaur, Albany, Crystal, Blue Griffin, Supertrain and Naxos Records, the latter two with fellow composer-pianist William Bolcom.

He has served as juror for many piano competitions and regularly appears in international festival settings. He is a popular presenter for music teacher organizations including MTNA national conventions and EPTA World Piano Conferences. As a pianist, Skelton has a particular love for the music of Béla Bartók, a composer whose works he has explored with great fascination for many years. As a composer/arranger he has creatively reimagined various piano works of Liszt and Mozart, and contributed substantially to the Gershwin complete editions of Concerto in F, Rhapsody in Blue, and American in Paris. Skelton has a special affinity for art song, having composed nearly two hundred songs, including numerous song cycles.

A devoted teacher, Skelton has been honored by the University of Michigan, including the Harold Haugh Award for excellence in studio teaching, and the Arthur F. Thurnau named professorship, among the highest honors given to faculty members at the university. Skelton’s own piano students have won awards in many national and international competitions. His former students hold positions of prominence in music schools and conservatories throughout the world. He has served on the faculties of the Manhattan School of Music, Missouri State University, and the University of Michigan.

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JOHN MORRIS RUSSELL A master of American musical style, John Morris Russell has devoted himself to redefining the American orchestral experience. In his tenth season as Music Director of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, he continues to invigorate the musical life of the Lowcountry as conductor, collaborator and educator, and leads the orchestra’s classical subscription series as well as the prestigious Hilton Head International Piano Competition. Mr. Russell concurrently serves as Conductor of the world-renowned Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, with which he earned a GRAMMY Nomination in 2019, as well as Principal Pops Conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, following in the footsteps of Marvin Hamlisch and Doc Severinsen.

JOHN MORRIS RUSSELL

MUSIC DIRECTOR AND CONDUCTOR HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra has enjoyed unprecedented artistic growth under Maestro Russell’s leadership; concert attendance has blossomed, the orchestra has doubled its number of concerts, and performs regularly off-island, throughout the region. Under his guidance the HHSO has sparked collaborations with regional ensembles and performers that continue to widen the reach of the orchestra, including the Hilton Head Dance Theatre, Charleston Southern University, the Savannah Children’s Choir, Georgia Southern University and Claflin University.

Mr. Russell’s collaborations around the world have included Aretha Franklin, Emanuel Ax, Amy Grant and Vince Gill, Garrick Ohlsson, Rhiannon Giddens, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Jon Kimura Parker, Ann Hampton Callaway, Michael McDonald, Sutton Foster, George Takei, Megan Hilty, Steve Martin, Edie Brickell, Over the Rhine, Brian Wilson, Leslie Odom, Jr., and Paul Shaffer.

Widely considered one of North America’s leaders in orchestral educational programming, Mr. Russell helped develop and conducted the LinkUP! educational concert series at Carnegie Hall between 1997-2009 - the oldest and most celebrated series of its kind, originally created

by Walter Damrosch in 1891 and made famous by Leonard Bernstein.

In Hilton Head, Mr. Russell began the HHSO Music Bridges program in 2015, engaging thousands of school children from Bluffton to Hilton Head Island in ensemble visits and full orchestra concerts, while integrating the musical culture of Gullah and Lowcountry traditions into presentations and programming. The Sound Discoveries series Mr. Russell developed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in 1997 remains a leading model for educational concerts across the country. In Windsor, Ontario he created the Peanut Butter n’ Jam series for young children, Family Jamboree and the One Community-One Symphony project that engaged a dozen high school performing ensembles.

As a guest conductor, Mr. Russell has worked with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, the Boston Pops, New York Pops, and the National Symphony of Washington, D.C. He frequently conducts Canadian orchestras including Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver, and has led the orchestras of Pittsburgh, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Dallas, and Milwaukee as well as the New York City Ballet.

John Morris Russell earned degrees from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles and Williams College in Massachusetts, and has studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, the Cleveland Institute of Music, the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado, and the Pierre Monteux School for Conductors in Hancock, Maine.

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2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

COMPETITION PRIZES First Prize

$15,000 The Nan & Charles Strauch Family Recital at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall October 14, 2022 CD recording on the Steinway & Sons label Concerto performance with HHSO 2022-2023 season Other engagements, subject to arrangements with presenters

Second Prize

$10,000

Mary & Mike Briggs/Joan & Charles Dattelbaum

Third Prize

$ 5,000

Mary Ann & Terry Putnam

3 Medalists

$ 1,000 $ 1,000 $ 1,000

Laura & Bret Jacobowitz Diana Riggle Joan & Bob Koenig

$ 1,000

Sascha Gorodnitzki Foundation

Sascha Gorodnitzki Memorial Prize

SASCHA GORODNITZKI MEMORIAL PRIZE In 2014, the Sascha Gorodnitzki Foundation endowed a new prize for the Hilton Head International Piano competition. The $1000 Sascha Gorodnitzki Memorial Prize is a judges’ discretionary award for which all nonfinalist competitors may be considered.

Sascha Gorodnitzki, pianist and Juilliard faculty member for more than half a century, was born in Kiev, Ukraine in 1904. The family emigrated to the United States a few months later. He studied piano with Edwin Hughes at the Institute of Musical Arts which later became The Juilliard School. Mr. Gorodnitzki joined the faculty of The Juilliard Summer School in 1932 graduating with highest honors. He was appointed to the piano faculty in 1948, where he remained until his death in 1986. Prominent artists who worked with him include Garrick Ohlsson, Eugene Estomin, Dennis Russel Davies, Janina Fialkowska, Herbert Stessin, James Barbagallo, and Albert and Miyoko Lotto.

Mr. Gorodnitzki maintained an active performance career, making his debut with the New York Philharmonic and touring in the United States, Canada and South America.

He made numerous radio and television appearances and recorded works for Capital Records and Columbia Records.

The HHIPC is committed to helping young pianists develop their careers and is honored to be recognized by the Gorodnitzki Foundation with this award.

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SP SIL O VE N R SO R

O U R

C L I E N T S

The Hilton Head International Piano Competition Hilton Head Orchestra The Savannah Symphony The Jazz Corner The Art Center of Coastal Carolina Bruce Hornsby Harry Connick Jr. A Prairie Home Companion – Garrison Keillor George Shearing Tony Bennett Dan Fogelberg

SELLING KAWAI GRANDS • VERTICALS DIGITAL HYBRIDS

PURVEYOR OF FINE CONSIGNMENT PIANOS STEINWAY • YAMAHA KAWAI • BALDWIN

Michael Feinstein Bob Alberti Freddie Cole Arlo Gutherie Noel Freidline Quintet

LOCAL SALES VENUE FOR ECONOMICAL VERTICAL PIANOS BUDGET-FRIENDLY BABY GRANDS CASIO DIGITAL KEYBOARDS

Marvin Hamlisch Charles Wadworth Chrystal Gayle American Tradition Vocal Competition

SERVICES INCLUDE: TUNING | MOVING | STORAGE REPAIRS | APPRAISALS | CLEANING

Savannah Music Festival Kevin Bales Georgia Music Educators First Baptist Church of Hilton Head The Marriott Hilton Head Bob Dillon

17 Sherington Drive A Bluffton, South Carolina

843.757.7435 843.816.7435 HERRINPIANO.COM

TRIBUTE

TRIBUTE TO MONA HUFF

Competition Chair and Director of the Hilton Head International Piano Competition 2011-2022

Mona and younger sister Laura grew up in the Bronx in “a house filled with music.” She took lessons on a Steinway grand that her mother, Minnie, had purchased in the 1940’s. When Mona, husband Joe and son Ryan moved to the Lowcountry in 2006, she brought that piano and her love of music with her. She did not wait long to pursue her passion in their new home.

H I LT O N H E A D I N T E R N A T I O N A L P I A N O C O M P E T I T I O N

2O22 HHIPC MARCH 7TH-14TH HHIPC.ORG

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TRIBUTE

THE EARLY YEARS Mona joined the IPC Committee as a volunteer in 2010. A year later she was named Competition Chairman, a title that changed to Director soon after. These were heady times for the HHSO. John Morris Russell was coming on board as the new Music Director/ Conductor, and it turns out that he knew of the HHIPC before he came to his interview.

“Colleagues in Toronto and Calgary told me that the HHIPC was something of a wonderment and that I absolutely needed to check it out. A few years later when the HHSO came calling, I was all in.” [John Morris Russell] The HHIPC is a home-grown event that had been humming along for a decade and a half when Mona Huff entered the scene. It had become an integral part of the HHSO brand and was highly regarded on the international stage. The local community embraced and supported it.

“The HHIPC is a very special event-an event that sets Hilton Head Island and the HHSO apart from other arts communities and regional orchestras." [Mary Briggs] None of this happened by chance. From the outset, the HHIPC had been ably led by a dozen or so individuals on whose shoulders Mona would have the benefit of standing. Two people she considers critical in acquiring the knowledge and confidence to lead the IPC are Willis (“Bud”) Shay and Douglas Humpherys. Bud is well known to HHSO patrons—he is one of the orchestra’s founding fathers—and he was involved with the Competition from its beginning in 1996. As chair of the piano department at the prestigious Eastman School of Music, Doug’s contribution has been a bit different. Mona considers him her spiritual guide in the classical piano world. Together their mentoring helped Mona grow into what she calls her “dream job.”

“I have been associated with the HHIPC since 2001, about a decade before Mona became Director. One aspect that makes it so successful is the generous support and participation of the residents of Hilton Head.” [Douglas Humpherys] MOVING AHEAD

Willis Shay

It wasn’t long before ideas aimed at addressing challenges and moving the Competition forward began to come to fruition, such as the creation of an internet-based platform used by both applicants and jurors. GetAcceptd is an easy-to-use digital tool that has saved hundreds of hours in administrative time. New prizes were introduced (the Gorodnitzki and the Peter Takács Classical Sonata) and the basic prize structure was enhanced. Mona created several fundraising programs which have helped the HHIPC to become more stable financially. The 88 Key Society made its debut in 2014 and has been a perennial sellout raising $396,000 to date. Livestreaming introduced the Competition to the entire world.

Each year, people in more than 60 countries login in real time.

Publicity is critical to an event of this scope. Under Mona the IPC embraced social media and has its own YouTube channel. And who can forget Piano Palooza — a community-wide event that placed gorgeous, hand-painted pianos outdoors in public spaces on the island and in Bluffton inviting all to play and enjoy.

Douglas Humpherys

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TRIBUTE

Perhaps Mona’s proudest accomplishment came in 2018—adding a festival to the rotation.

BravoPiano! has raised the HHIPC’s profile among pianists of all genres. The festival provides additional opportunities for past competitors—as well as new artists—to perform and draws new audiences who enjoy styles in addition to classical.

A GLIMPSE INSIDE THE HHIPC According to spouse Joe Huff, Mona is the “heart and soul of the IPC and she lives and breathes it from August to March.” She surrounds herself with great volunteers to whom she gives most of the credit. Working with Director Huff is never dull, and you had better bring a smile and can-do attitude to your job. Her optimism is infectious.

“Mona has been a source of energy and enthusiasm during the many years we have worked together. Her joyful attitude and fun-filled demeanor spill over onto everyone associated with the IPC.” [The Herrin's] “Her laughter and ready smile always made the music more glorious.”

[The Parekh's] She takes a personal interest in everyone she works with and is quick to share her story and find out yours. “My kids” are what she calls competitors of all ages. Even though some of these kids now have kids of their own, they will always be Mona’s kids.

“She is especially loved by the countless young musicians she has helped along the way.” [Vivian Chiu] Mona lives in a very social space and competition week is filled with fun social events. Everyone is invited—competitors, jurors, volunteers. Without a doubt, a key element to the HHIPC’s success is the host families who open their homes for a week.

Lifelong friendships develop. The focus is always on the competitors with the goal of providing an excellent experience, one that is as stress-free as possible.

“She has kept in touch with competitors, prize winners or not, with the conviction that the future of classical music depends on nurturing the younger generation of musicians.” [Pavlina Dokovska] LOOKING TO THE FUTURE There are several things Mona dreams about which have not yet taken life, such as adding a chamber music round to the competition. She would like to see a Jazz Competition to complement the two classical competitions and BravoPiano!, thereby creating a 4-year rotation. She would have liked to be able to transport every kid in Beaufort County to hear competitors play live.

When asked if there is anything she is concerned about, Mona says there is not. “I am confident that our volunteers and individual donors will hang in because they love the competition as much as I do. And I believe that businesses which support us will continue to do so because they see the value.

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TRIBUTE

The HHIPC will continue to evolve. It is certainly a different brand than the one I inherited in 2011. I can’t wait to see what comes next.”

Mona, in case you are wondering whether you and the HHIPC have grown, they most assuredly have.

"I have seen Mona grow to cultivate her ear from a novice into a highly sophisticated classical music aficionado, but more than that she is truly a leader with the attitude of learning from every situation she encounters. [Miyoko Lotto] “Thanks to her tireless work and dedication throughout her 12-year tenure, the HHIPC has become one of the most prestigious international piano competitions in the world.” [Pavlina Dokovska] And so, we say adieu, dasvidaniya, bǎo zhong, farewell. The people lined up to thank you is long: over 200 “kids,” 100+ jurors, the HHIPC’s many dedicated volunteers, Steinway, Rice Music and other valued business partners, thousands of HHIPC fans and the entire HHSO family. Just as you inherited an amazing event brimming with potential, so shall your successor.

A host family, Bill and Jan Raisch, get the last word: "Working with others dedicated to the event, the time and quality of effort Mona has expended has made the HHIPC a premier cultural experience for our community and for that, personally, and for Hilton Head and beyond, we are so grateful."

Bravo!

CONTRIBUTORS John Morris Russell, Music Director and Conductor, HHSO Mary Briggs, Past President and CEO, HHSO Douglas Humpherys, Professor & Chair of the Piano Department Eastman School of Music, Artistic Director of the Bachauer Competition, HHIPC Judge Jeff and Jennifer Herrin, owners of Herrin Piano, Bluffton, SC JP and Mary Parekh, owners of Rice Music, Columbia, SC Pavlina Dokovska, Faculty Mannes School of Music, HHIPC Judge Vivian Chiu, Director of Cultural Partnerships and Artist Services, Steinway & Sons, New York Miyoko Lotto, Faculty Manhattan School of Music, HHIPC Judge Bill and Jan Raisch, Host Family Jean-Marie Coté, Photography

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TRIBUTE

Changyong Shin 1st Prize (2016)

Pytor Akulov, 2nd Prize, Douglas Humpherys, Jury Chair (2020)

Sandy Benson, CAV, JP Parekh, Rice Music at Spirio Reception (2020)

Welcome Party (2019)

Photos by frenchguyphotography

Jury Panel (2017)

Jakub Kuszlik, Chaeyoung Park, Anna Han, finalists (2019)

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COMPETITORS

ALEXANDER AGATE COUNTRY – United States AGE – 27 HOST FAMILY – Ray Hickey Alexander’s first musical achievement was at age 13 when he was accepted into the Applied Music Scholarship program at Moorpark Community College in southern California, a two-year program during which he worked with Professor Mona DeCesare. Prior to entering college, he studied with concert pianist Robert Thies. At California State University Northridge, he studied with Dmitry Rachmanov, eventually completing his master’s degree at the Manhattan School of Music studying under André-Michel Schub.

He has participated in master classes with many distinguished pianists including John Perry, Jeremy Denk, Conor Hanick, Robert McDonald, Jerome Lowenthal, Victor Rosenbaum, and Nina Lelchuk, among others.

Alexander has attended numerous summer festivals including the Music Academy of the West, where he was one of eight solo piano fellows selected from hundreds of applications.

He previously attended the John Perry Institute (California), Adamant Music Festival (Vermont) where he studied with Seta Tanyel, and the IKIF Piano Festival (New York).

Alexander has competed in numerous competitions including the Dallas International Piano Competition (2016), the Manhattan School of Music Balsam Duo Competition (2017), and the Manhattan School of Music Munz Chopin Competition, for which he was awarded the top prize. Alexander was one of ten semi-finalists in the prestigious Naumburg International Piano Competition (2017) and most recently competed in the Chopin National Competition (2020) where he reached the semi-final stage.

Currently, he is completing his Doctorate in Musical Arts at the Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of André-Michel Schub.

R E P E R T O I R E ROUND I Haydn Liszt

ROUND II Beethoven Rachmaninoff

Sonata No. 47 in B minor, Hob. XVI/32 Hungarian Rhapsody No. 9 in E-flat major, S. 244 Sonata No. 27 in E minor, Op. 90 Étude-Tableaux Nos. 2, 5 and 6, Op. 39

ROUND III Scriabin Étude No. 11 in B-flat minor, Op. 8 Bach Capriccio on the Departure of a Beloved Brother in B-flat major, BWV 992 Corigliano Étude Fantasy Chopin Variations on Là ci darem la mano in B-flat major, Op. 2 ROUND IV Prokofiev 34

Concerto No. 3 in C major, Op. 26

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COMPETITORS

ELZBIETA BILICKA COUNTRY – Poland AGE – 29 HOST FAMILY – Cynthia and George Gorski-Popiel Elzbieta Bilicka has performed solo and with orchestras in many cities in her native Poland, as well as in Italy, Austria, Switzerland, and the United States. Her recitals have been featured on Polish Radio Koszalin, Polish TV Culture and BBC Radio. In July 2021, Centaur Records released her debut CD Lights and Shadows, with music from Chopin, Ravel, Scriabin and Szymanowski.

Elzbieta is a prizewinner of several international piano competitions. The latest and most prestigious are first prize at the G-Clef International Music Competition in South Korea (2021), first prize in the Walled City Music International Online Piano Competition (2020, Northern Ireland), first prize in the Putra International Online Piano Competition (2020, Malaysia), laureate at the 10th International Ignacy Jan Paderewski Piano Competition (2016, Poland) and third prize in the Polish Chopin Piano NIFC Competition (2016). In 2018, she was awarded the Young Poland Scholarship from the Polish Ministry of Culture.

Elzbieta holds a Master of Arts degree in Piano Performance from the Feliks Nowowiejski Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz (class of Katarzyna Popowa-Zydron, Agata NowakowskaGumiela and Alberto Nose). She is currently earning a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at her Polish alma mater. Between 2016 and 2018, she studied under Nelson Goerner at the Haute École de Musique de Genève in Switzerland.

Elzbieta joined the Piano Faculty of the Caine College of the Arts at Utah State University (Logan, UT) in May 2019.

R E P E R T O I R E ROUND I Bach English Suite No. 3 in G minor, BWV 808 Liszt Tarantella from Anneés de pèlerinage II Supplément: Venezia e Napoli, S. 162

ROUND II Beethoven

Sonata No. 3 in C major, Op. 2

ROUND IV Prokofiev

Concerto No. 3 in C major, Op. 26

ROUND III Chopin Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52 Chopin Andante Spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante in E-flat major, Op. 22 Ravel Oiseaux Tristes from Miroirs No. 2 Ravel Une barque sur l’océan from Miroirs No. 4 Ravel La valse

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COMPETITORS

YUVAL CHEN COUNTRY – Israel AGE – 25 HOST FAMILY – Mickey and Alan Graham Born in Israel, Yuval began piano studies at age seven, studying for many years with Inna Rubin. He then studied with Asaf Zohar at the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music at Tel Aviv University from 2014 to 2018. Currently he is in New York studying with Veda Kaplinsky at The Juilliard School. Yuval has been a prizewinner in several competitions: first prize- the Rafi Gorlnik prize and the Audience Award-- in the Aviv competitions by the ACIF (2018), first prize in the National Competition Piano Forever (Ashdod, Israel 2015), second prize in the Voice of Music Young Artists Competition (Jerusalem 2015), and first prize in the Ra'anana Municipal Competition (multiple years).

Yuval has received scholarships from the American-Israel Cultural Foundation, including a merit scholarship beginning in 2014 to the present. He has performed as soloist with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon LeZion, Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra IBA, Ra'anana Symphonette, Ashdod Symphony Orchestra, The Beer Sheva Sinfonietta and with radio station Kol HaMusica. He has taken courses and has participated in master classes at The Aspen Music Festival and School, Tel Hai International Piano Master Classes, North London Music School, Young Piano Artists courses for distinguished pianists (Aldwell Center, Jerusalem) with Sir András Schiff, Murray Perahia, Menahem Pressler, Christoph Eschenbach, Veda Kaplinsky, Tatiana Zelikman, Michael Schnider, Suan Wang and Jerome Leventhal among others.

R E P E R T O I R E ROUND I Beethoven Prokofiev

ROUND II Rachmaninoff Rachmaninoff Schumann

ROUND III Chopin Bardanashvilli Scriabin Dutilleux ROUND IV Tchaikovsky

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Sonata No. 24 in F-sharp major, Op. 78 Sonata No. 4 in C minor, Op. 29 Prelude No. 1 in F-sharp minor, Op. 23 Prelude No. 4 in D major, Op. 23 Humoresque in B-flat major, Op. 20 Polonaise-Fantasie in A-flat major, Op. 61 Postlude for Piano (1993) Preludes No. 1-12, Op. 11 Choral and Variations, Sonata No. 1, Op. 1 Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23

2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

COMPETITORS

JI-HYANG GWAK COUNTRY – Republic of Korea AGE – 30 HOST FAMILY – Debby Graves A prizewinner at numerous competitions, pianist Ji-Hyang Gwak has garnered international praise for her versatility, energy, and technical mastery. As a performing solo artist, chamber musician, and pedagogue, she has made appearances across the United States, in the Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Spain, Japan, and Korea.

Gwak is the top prize winner of the Sicily International Piano Competition, Seattle International Piano Competition, Franz Liszt International Piano Competition, the MFMC Rosamond P. Haeberle Memorial Piano Award, the High Point University Piano Competition, and the Michigan MTNA Young Artist Competition. Her most recent achievement was in the 2021 Lyon International Music Competition in France, where she won third prize and received concert engagements from the Association Frédéric Chopin à Lyon.

She made her orchestral debut when she was 15 with the Bucheon Chamber Orchestra at Jancheon Art Hall in Seoul. In 2014, she won the Eastman School of Music Concerto Competition where she performed Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Eastman Philharmonia at Kodak Hall. Ji-Hyang also played Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra at Hill Auditorium in 2019.

Ji-Hyang holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, summa cum laude, from Seoul National University and a Master of Music in Piano Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music. Her teachers include Kyungrok Park, Jinson Kim, Professor HieYon Choi, and Professor Natalya Antonova. She is currently pursuing a Specialist degree at the University of Michigan under the tutelage of Professor Christopher Harding, where she earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 2020.

R E P E R T O I R E ROUND I Beethoven

Sonata No. 3 in C major, Op. 2

ROUND III Haydn Ravel Scriabin

Sonata No. 53 in E minor, Hob. XVI/34 Miroirs Preludes Nos. 1, 4, 6, 11 and 14, Op. 11

ROUND II Vine Sonata No. 1 Bach Ricercar a 3 from Das Musikalisches Opfer, BWV 1079 Liszt Les jeux d’eaux à la villa d’Este from Années de pèlerinage, S. 163

ROUND IV Rachmaninoff

Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30 HHIPC.ORG

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COMPETITORS

SAHUN HONG COUNTRY – United States AGE – 27 HOST FAMILY – Judy and Joe Gimbel Praised as an “artist of enormous prowess” (Verbier Festival Newsletter) with “lots of clarity, confidence, and wisdom” (New York Concert Review), pianist Sahun Sam Hong brings his colorful style and riveting energy to the solo, chamber, and concerto stages.

Hong was the winner of the 2017 Vendome Prize at Verbier and received second prize at the 2017 International Beethoven Competition in Vienna. He was also a recipient of a 2021 American Pianists Award, and a finalist for the 2018 International German Piano Award and 2017 American Pianists Awards.

On the roster of Young Steinway Artists since 2010, Hong has been featured as a guest soloist with orchestras including ORF (Vienna, Austria), Milwaukee, Indianapolis, and Camerata New York. He has performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall’s Weill Hall, Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, the Vienna Musikverein, Église de Verbier, Merkin Hall, and the Kennedy Center.

In addition to performing, Hong is a prolific arranger of chamber music and orchestral works. His creative transcriptions are performed all over the world, and the chamber music collective ensemble 132 presents Hong’s innovative arrangements on annual tours throughout the United States.

At the age of 16, Hong graduated magna cum laude from Texas Christian University (TCU) with a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance, studying with John Owings. He also studied for six years with Leon Fleisher at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. Hong continues his studies with Yong Hi Moon at the Peabody Institute.

R E P E R T O I R E ROUND I Mozart Chopin

Sonata No. 4 in E-flat major, K. 282 Scherzo No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 31

ROUND II Chopin Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 55/2 Beethoven Variations and Fugue in E-flat major (“Eroica Variations”), Op. 35

ROUND III Kirchner Interlude II Ravel Sonatine Brahms Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel in B-flat major, Op. 24

ROUND IV Rachmaninoff 38

Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18

2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

COMPETITORS

JAEDEN IZIK-DZURKO COUNTRY – Canada AGE – 22 HOST FAMILY – Mary and Chris Albright Born in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Jaeden Izik-Dzurko is earning a reputation as a promising young artist. Jaeden has been recognized by audiences, conductors and composers alike for the exceptional communicative power and the thoughtfulness of his interpretations. He is a Grand Prize winner at the Federation of Canadian Music Festival’s National Competition, and a winner of Juilliard’s prestigious Gina Bachauer Scholarship Competition.

Jaeden graduated from The Juilliard School in 2021, completing a Bachelor of Music with Professor Veda Kaplinsky. He is currently pursuing a Masters of Music at the University of British Columbia with Dr. Corey Hamm.

An experienced recitalist, Jaeden has organized and presented numerous solo recitals to benefit both community projects and international humanitarian organizations. He has collaborated with local and international instrumentalists, vocalists, and chamber ensembles, and has performed with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, the Kamloops Symphony, and the Lions Gate Sinfonia.

Jaeden’s recordings have been presented nationally on CBC Radio, and in September 2019, his performance in Juilliard’s Paul Hall was broadcast live on WQXR in New York. Jaeden has earned a reputation as a passionate advocate for Canadian compositions and has been recognized for his exciting and insightful interpretations. In 2017, in honor of Canada’s sesquicentennial, he presented a solo recital of works written solely by Canadian composers.

R E P E R T O I R E ROUND I Medtner Scriabin Chopin

ROUND II Schumann Hamelin

ROUND III Beethoven Rachmaninoff ROUND IV Rachmaninoff

Fairy Tales Nos. 1 and 2, Op. 26 Sonata No. 10, Op. 70 Scherzo No. 3 in C-sharp minor, Op. 39 Sonata No. 3 in F minor, Op. 14 (original published 1836) Étude No. 12 “Prelude and Fugue” in A-flat minor Andante Favori in F major, WoO 57 Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 28 Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30

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COMPETITORS

DMITRII KALASHNIKOV COUNTRY – Russia AGE – 27 HOST FAMILY – Marty and Jim Neumeister Dmitrii Kalashnikov was born in Moscow, Russia. Since 2018 he has been a postgraduate student at the Royal College of Music in London in the class of Professor Vanessa Latarche as a Ruth West Scholar supported by the Neville Wathen Scholarship, and more recently as a Blüthner Pianos scholar.

Dmitrii graduated with honors from the Moscow State Conservatory in 2017 where he was taught by Professor Elena Kuznetsova. His prizes include the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Rosebowl at the Royal College of Music, awarded to a student of distinction. He was the winner of the Jacques Samuel Piano Competition (2019, London) and, in the same year, won first prize at Les Étoiles Du Piano International Piano Competition (France). In 2021, he won first prize at the Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition (Beethoven Piano Society of Europe).

Dmitrii performs regularly with the Russian National Orchestra under the direction of Mikhail Pletnev. In 2014 Mikhail Pletnev and Dmitrii Kalashnikov gave a two-piano recital in the Great Hall of the Moscow State Conservatory. Other performances include those at the House of Music in Moscow, in the concert Hall of the Mariinsky theatre in St. Petersburg, as well as other major halls in the UK and Europe. He performed the Hummel Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Royal College of Music Symphony Orchestra as winner of the RCM Concerto competition. He played at the Oxford Piano Festival master class in 2021 for András Schiff.

Dmitrii studies currently with Anna Malikova at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna.

R E P E R T O I R E ROUND I Tchaikovsky/Pletnev Prokofiev

Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a Sonata No. 3 in A minor, Op. 28

ROUND III Brahms Beethoven

Sonata No. 2 in F-sharp minor, Op. 2 Sonata No. 31 in A-flat major, Op. 110

ROUND II Liszt Études d’éxecution transcendante Nos. 1, 2, and 3, S. 139 Franck Prélude, choral et fugue, FWV 21

ROUND IV Tchaikovsky

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Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23

2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

COMPETITORS

ELIZAVETA KLIUCHEREVA COUNTRY – Russia AGE – 22 HOST FAMILY – Barbara Holmes Elizaveta Kliuchereva began studying music at the age of six with Manana Kandelaki at the Central Music School, Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, under Maxim Zheleznov.

Currently, she is a student at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in the studio of Vladimir Ovchinnikov. She is also studying at the Incontri col Maestro Academy in Imola (Italy) with Boris Petrushansky and at the Hochschule fur Musik Theater und Medien Hanover with Arie Vardi.

Elizaveta has won first prize at many competitions including the Scriabin International (Paris, 2010), the Grand Prix and first prize at the Villuan Young Pianists Competition (Russia, 2012), Grand Prix at the Artobolevskaya Young Pianists International Competition (Moscow, 2012), the North International Piano Competition (UK, 2013), the Grand Prix at Villahermosa International Piano Competition (Mexico, 2015), the Concertino Praga International Competition (Czech Republic, 2016), the Eurasian Music Games Competition (Kazakhstan, 2017), the Junior Chopin Piano Competition (Estonia, 2018), and the Lyon International Competition (France, 2018). She was a semifinalist at Leeds in the UK in 2021.

Elizaveta has performed with many orchestras including the Ukrainian Kharkiv Philharmonic, the Central Music School at the Great Hall of Moscow Conservatory, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, the National Philharmonic of Russia, the State Academic Symphony Evgeny Svetlanov at the Great Hall of Moscow Conservatory, the St. Petersburg State Symphony, the Prague Radio Symphony, the Karaganda Symphony Orchestra and The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.

Elizaveta was selected as a junior jury member at the 15th Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition (2017, Israel). In 2019, she received a scholarship from the International Academy of Music in Liechtenstein and participated in the intensive activities offered by the Academy.

R E P E R T O I R E ROUND I Mozart Liszt

ROUND II Schumann/Liszt Schumann

Rondo in A minor, K. 511 Spanish Rhapsody, S. 254 Widmung (Liebeslied), S. 566 Carnaval Scènes mignonnes sur quatre notes, Op. 9

ROUND III Bach/Siloti Prelude in B minor, BWV 855a Strauss/Godowsky Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes from Die Fledermaus II Chopin Polonaise-Fantasie in A-flat major, Op. 61 Rachmaninoff Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 36, II Edition (1931) ROUND IV Rachmaninoff

Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30 HHIPC.ORG

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COMPETITORS

XIAOXUAN LI COUNTRY – Republic of China AGE – 19 HOST FAMILY – Don Flora and Janet Stallmeyer Xiaoxuan Li was born in Zhejiang, China. He enrolled at The Julliard School in 2021 where he is pursuing his Bachelor of Music degree. He studies under the tutelage of Gary Graffman, Robert McDonald, and Dang Thai Son. Mr. Li has attended numerous competitions winning prizes at the following: The Gold Medal and Beethoven prize (Senior Division) in the Cleveland International Piano Competition for Young Artists (2018); first prize in the Zhuhai Mozart International Competition for Young Musicians (2015, China); second prize in the Hilton Head International Piano Competition for Young Artists (2015); and fourth prize in the Ettlingen Young Artist Piano Competition (2012, Germany).

He has performed with orchestras around the world, including the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, Ashdod Orchestra, Salzburg Chamber Soloists, Macao Orchestra and Canton Symphony Orchestra.

His success has taken him to some of the most prestigious international music festivals in the world including the Shanghai International Piano Festival, Osaka International Piano Festival, and the International Piano Festival in Italy.

R E P E R T O I R E ROUND I Chopin Prokofiev

ROUND II Chopin Schubert

ROUND III Mozart Brahms

ROUND IV Beethoven

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Étude No. 6 in G-sharp minor, Op. 25 Sonata No. 7 in B-flat major, Op. 83 Barcarolle in F-sharp major, Op. 60 Wanderer Fantasy in C major, Op. 15 Sonata No. 3, in B-flat major, K. 281 Sonata No. 1 in C major, Op. 1 Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37

2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

COMPETITORS

YUZHANG LI COUNTRY – Republic of China AGE – 22 HOST FAMILY – Kathy Taylor Yuzhang began her musical life at the age of four. Her formal training began at age 13, studying with Jinsong Xian at the Xinghai Conservatory Affiliated Middle School in Guangzhou. In 2017 she was admitted to the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, studying with Danwen Wei and Jiajia Shi. In 2021, she received a full scholarship and began a postgraduate program at the Royal Academy of Music in London with Ian Fountain.

Yuzhang won prizes in several competitions during her junior stage including the Yamaha Piano Scholarship Competition, the Pearlriver Kayserburg Piano Concerto Competition, the Shenzhen Piano Open Competition, and first prize at the Seiler Cup Piano Competition, performing in the winner’s concert at the Yongsan Concert Hall of Seoul in South Korea (2016).

In 2017 she made her first appearance at an international piano competition, winning the Special Performance Award in the Wiesbaden International Piano Competition and second prize in the Grotrian International Piano Competition. She won prizes in the Huanglong Piano Competition in 2018, in the Chengdu Golden Hibiscus Music Competition, and in the Steinway Piano Competition (2019). That year she also won the National Scholarship and in 2020 she won the Tan Xiaowei Scholarship due to her excellence in both piano and academic studies.

During the pandemic, Yuzhang was able to give several concerts in China. In 2021, she won first prize in the Futian Cup Piano Competition and performed with the Shenzhen Philharmonic. Before she entered the Royal Academy of Music, Yuzhang was one of the ten semi-finalists at Leeds (2021).

R E P E R T O I R E ROUND I Haydn Scriabin

Sonata No. 58 in C major, Hob. XVI/48 Sonata No. 2 in G-sharp minor, Op. 19

ROUND III Brahms Chopin Prokofiev

Six Piano Pieces, Op. 118 Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52 Four Piano Pieces, Op. 4

ROUND II Liszt Étude d’éxecution transcendante No. 12 in B-flat minor, Chasse Neige, S. 139 Ravel Gaspard de Nuit, M. 55

ROUND IV Beethoven

Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58 HHIPC.ORG

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COMPETITORS

JONATHAN MAMORA COUNTRY – United States AGE – 26 HOST FAMILY – Maureen and Keith Schlegel An Indonesian-American and native of Southern California, pianist and educator Jonathan Mamora strives to uplift and positively influence others using music as a means for service through churches, homes, schools, community centers, and the concert hall.

Jonathan’s performances have taken him throughout North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, and he is a prizewinner at several regional and international competitions. Recent performances include Olivier Messiaen’s Oiseaux exotiques with the Eastman Wind Ensemble, Chen Qiangbin’s Recital for Qiuzi (western hemisphere premiere), and world premieres of Ariel Quintana’s Piano Concerto, Robert Morris’ Septet, and Michael Selvaggi’s An Inevitable Decay, Rot. He was recently a featured artist for the LA Phil Affiliates (members of the Los Angeles community who dedicate their time and efforts to support the mission of the Los Angeles Philharmonic through volunteer service, community engagement, and fundraising). He has performed in master classes with pianists including Jerome Lowenthal, Robert Levin, Antonio Pompa-Baldi, and Stanislav Ioudenitch.

As a collaborator, Jonathan holds a graduate assistantship in accompanying at the Eastman School of Music and has received the Eastman Excellence in Accompanying Award.

Jonathan values education as an important tool in music-making. He currently teaches music theory at Eastman, as well as piano for the Eastman Community Music School.

Jonathan is pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and Literature with a minor in organ at the Eastman School of Music, studying with and serving as studio assistant for Douglas Humpherys. He received his Bachelor of Music from La Sierra University and his Master of Music from The Juilliard School. Previous teachers include Elvin Rodríguez and Hung-Kuan Chen.

R E P E R T O I R E ROUND I Rachmaninoff

Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 36

ROUND III Liebermann Liszt

Sonata No. 3, Op. 82 Sonata in B minor, S. 178

ROUND II Beethoven Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 2 Liszt Les jeux d’eaux a la Villa d’Este from Années de pèlerinage: Troisième année

ROUND IV Rachmaninoff 44

Concerto No. 3 in D minor, Op. 30

2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

COMPETITORS

SEONGWOO MOON COUNTRY – Republic of Korea AGE – 21 HOST FAMILY – Pam and Peter Cooper Seongwoo Moon graduated from Seoul Arts High School, where he studied under Seunghye Choi. He is currently studying with Heesung Joo at Seoul National University, receiving a scholarship from the Samick Cultural Foundation and DYC Company. His achievements in competitions include second prize at the Singapore Youth Piano Competition (2019), first prize at the Joong-Ang Competition (2021), one of the biggest competitions in Korea, and second prize at the Dong-A Competition (2019, Korea). He was the winner of the 2020 Taipei International Maestro Piano Festival’s Promising Star Competition, which earned him a concert with the Taipei Symphony Orchestra in 2022.

Seongwoo has performed recitals in concert halls in Korea including Kumho Art Hall Yonsei, Seongnam Arts Center, Mozart Hall, Seoul National University, Sejong Arts Center Chamber Hall, and the Pohang Arts Center. He has had chamber performances at Thayer Hall and Zipper Hall at the Colburn School (Los Angeles), and at the Santa-Cecilia Conservatory in Italy. He has performed in Korea with the Seongnam, Gyeongbuk and Pohang Philharmonic Orchestras.

Seongwoo has taken master classes from Pascal Roge, Rudolf Meister, Ory Shihor, Nelson Delle-Vigne Fabbri, Philip Jenkins, Edward Wolanin, and Soojung Shin among others.

R E P E R T O I R E ROUND I Scarlatti Sonata in A major, K. 24 Czerny Variations on a Theme by Rode La Ricordanza in E-flat major, Op. 33 Stravinsky/Agosti The Firebird Suite

ROUND II Schumann Rachmaninoff

Abegg Variations in F major, Op. 1 Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 36

ROUND IV Beethoven

Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73

ROUND III Mozart Fantasia in D minor, K. 397 Scriabin Sonata No. 3 in F-sharp minor, Op. 23 Debussy Préludes Book 1, No. 8: La fille aux chevaux de lin, L. 117 Debussy Préludes Book 1, No. 11: La danse de Puck, L. 117 Liszt Réminiscences de Don Juan, S. 418

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COMPETITORS

NAN NI COUNTRY – Republic of China AGE – 23 HOST FAMILY – Dede Bethke Nan Ni was born in Anhui, China. She began studying piano at the age of five. At 10, she was admitted to the Music Middle School affiliated with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music studying under Natalia Filippova. She graduated from the New England Conservatory in 2021 with a Bachelor of Music and is continuing at NEC for her master’s degree with Bruce Brubaker, chair of the Piano Department.

Nan won first prize at the Los Angeles Young Musician International Piano Competition, third prize at the Conero International Piano Competition, second prize at the Shenzhen Piano Open Competition and is a two-time winner of the Piano Department Honors Competition at NEC. A recipient of the Tan Family Grant Scholarship at NEC, she was also awarded a Shanghai Government Scholarship and Niu Ende Piano Music Scholarship and won the Audience Award at the winners’ concert.

Nan has participated in many prestigious music festivals including the Summer Academy Mozarteum in Salzburg and the Music Academy of the West, at which she was awarded the 2020 Sharon and David Bradford Full Scholarship and 2021 Hyon Chough and Maurice Singer Full Scholarship in solo piano. She has taken master classes from Arie Vardi, Jeremy Denk, and Dmitry Alexeev, among other distinguished musicians.

Nan is also an organist studying under Thomas Handel at NEC. She has performed as a solo organist at the Church of the Covenant in Boston, as well as with the NEC concert choir and chamber singers. As an active chamber musician, she and her fellow chamber music partners have won the first prize in the Chamber Music Competition at Shanghai Conservatory.

R E P E R T O I R E ROUND I Fauré Mozart Carter

ROUND II Brahms Lutoslawski

ROUND III Bach Mendelssohn Beethoven Rachmaninoff ROUND IV Beethoven 46

Nocturne No. 6 in D-flat major, Op. 63 Sonata No. 9 in D major, K. 311 Caténaires Sonata No. 2 in F-sharp minor, Op. 2 Two Études French Suite No. 2 in C minor, BWV 813 Fantasy in F-sharp minor, Op. 28 Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op. 101 Polka de W.R. in A-flat major Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73

2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

COMPETITORS

ILLIA OVCHARENKO COUNTRY – Ukraine AGE – 20 HOST FAMILY – Lauren and Van Schweibert Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at the Buchmann-Mehta school of music in Tel Aviv under the tutelage of Arie Vardi, Illia Ovcharenko has already performed with leading orchestras including the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, Pomeranian Philharmonic Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, National Radio of Ukraine, and the Versailles Conservatory String Orchestra collaborating with prestigious conductors such as Dmitry Sitkovetsky, Arie Vardi, Ian Hobson , Mykola Diadyura, Kai Bumann, Benoit Girault, Volodymyr Sirenko, Nicolo Giuliani, and Vitaly Protasov.

Illia is a frequent participant in music festivals worldwide in countries including France, Ukraine, Israel, the United States, Germany, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, and Italy. He has appeared at the Arthur Rubinstein Piano Festival (Israel), the Aspen Music Festival (U.S.), Festival Auvers sur Oise and the Pontoise Piano Campus (France), Bern Interlaken Classics (Switzerland), Marktoberdorf Music Festival (Germany), and others. The recipient of the Polonsky Fellowship (2019, 2021), he studied at the Aspen Music Festival with Yoheved Kaplinsky and Hung Kuan Chen.

Among his recent achievements are becoming the laureate of the Busoni International Piano Competition (2021, Italy), winning the Michelangeli Prize at the Eppan International Piano Academy (Italy), as well as first prizes at the Horowitz International Piano Competition (2019, Ukraine), the Prix du Piano Bern (2021, Switzerland), the Viseu International Piano Competition (2021, Portugal), and the Eppan Junior Academy (2017). He won second prize at the Singapore International Piano Competition (2021), Aspen Piano Concerto Competition (2019) and Campillos International Piano Competition (2021, Spain).

Illia is a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship of Ukraine.

R E P E R T O I R E ROUND I Scarlatti Sonata in E major, K. 20 Scarlatti Sonata in F minor, K. 466 Schumann Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22 Liszt Grandes Études de Paganini No. 3 La Campanella in G-sharp minor, S. 141

ROUND II Schubert/Liszt Rachmaninoff ROUND III Beethoven Liszt

ROUND IV Tchaikovsky

Litanei No. 1 in E-flat major, S. 562 Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 36 Sonata No. 26 in E-flat major, Op. 81a Sonata in B minor, S. 178 Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23 HHIPC.ORG

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COMPETITORS

ANTHONY RATINOV COUNTRY – United States AGE – 24 HOST FAMILY – Jan and Bill Raisch Anthony Ratinov began playing piano at the age of four under the teaching of his grandmother, Edit Ratinova, who taught at the renowned Gnessin Music School in Moscow, Russia for 45 years. Most recently, Anthony received the first prize at the Canada International Artists Piano Competition (2021), and the Pianists' Award (first prize), sponsored by Bösendorfer, at the International Summer Academy in Austria (2021 and 2019). He was a semi-finalist at the Concert Artists Guild Competition (2021) and captured the third prize at the Virtuoso & Belcanto piano competition in Italy (2017), as well as the Charles S. Miller Prize, awarded to a gifted pianist at the Yale School of Music who has done outstanding work during the first year of study.

In addition to many fundraising concerts in the New England area, Anthony has performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C., the ORF RadioKulturhaus performance hall in Vienna, as well as at other venues across Italy, the Netherlands, and Austria.

Anthony is currently a master’s student at the Yale School of Music studying with Boris Berman.

Anthony studied previously at Yale University, where he majored in chemical engineering and graduated with honors, in addition to studying piano with Wei-Yi Yang.

Anthony has performed in the master classes of such notable teachers and performers as Boris Slutsky, Mikhail Voskresensky, Roberto Prosseda, Julian Martin, Douglas Humpherys, Marian Hahn, Ian Jones, Yejin Gil, and Gottlieb Wallisch.

R E P E R T O I R E ROUND I Debussy Haydn Scriabin

Étude No. 5 Pour les octaves, L. 136 Sonata No. 47 in B minor, Hob. XVI/32 Sonata No. 5, Op. 53

ROUND III Bach Mussorgsky

English Suite No. 2 in A minor, BWV 807 Pictures at an Exhibition

ROUND II Beethoven Variations and Fugue in E-flat major (“Eroica Variations”), Op. 35 Rachmaninoff Études Tableaux No. 9 in D major, Op. 39

ROUND IV Prokofiev

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Concerto No. 3 in C major, Op. 26

2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

COMPETITORS

QUANLIN WANG COUNTRY – Republic of China AGE – 22 HOST FAMILY – Barbara Sorkin Quanlin Wang was born in China. She began receiving piano lessons at the age of four, holding her first recital at 10. In 2010, she began studying in Beijing with Professor Chen Manchun. In 2013, she was admitted to the Middle School of the Central Conservatory of Music with the highest entrance exam score for her cohort. She is currently studying in Germany at the Hannover University of Music, Drama and Media in the class of Professor Bernd Goetzke.

Quanlin has won prizes at several international piano competitions including first prize and the Orchestra Award in the Santa Cecilia International Piano Competition (Portugal), second prize and the Audience Prize in the Città di Cantù International Piano Competition (Italy), first prize and the award for Best Performance of a Romantic piece in the Kaufmann International Piano Competition in New York.

Quanlin has performed concerts in China, Germany, Italy, the United States and Spain, and has been invited to many international music festivals including the Hammerklavier International Piano Festival in Spain, the International Young Artist Piano Festival in Germany, and the Beijing International Music Festival. Beginning in 2012, she was invited to record performances on China’s Central Television national broadcasts.

As a soloist, Quanlin has appeared with many orchestras including the Portuguese Philharmonic Orchestra, the Mihail Jora Philharmonic Orchestra of Romania and the Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra Wernigerode in Germany. In 2019 she had a concert tour in Germany with the South German Chamber Orchestra Pforzheim.

Quanlin’s debut album will be released in 2022.

R E P E R T O I R E ROUND I Haydn Liszt

ROUND II Shchedrin Beethoven ROUND III Schumann Bartók

ROUND IV Beethoven

Fantasia in C major, Hob. XVII/4 Après une lecture du Dante: Fantasia quasi sonata, S. 161/7 Two Polyphonic Pieces for Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-flat major, Op. 110 Fantasie in C major, Op. 17 Sonata, Sz. 80 Concerto No. 4 in G major, Op. 58

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COMPETITORS

YINUO WANG COUNTRY – Republic of China AGE – 25 HOST FAMILY – Peggi Moon Wynona Yinuo Wang is on the roster of the Concert Artist Guild in New York City and was the 2019 recipient of the Charlotte White Career Grant awarded by New York’s Salon de Virtuosi. She has performed in prestigious venues including Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall, Carnegie Hall's Weill Hall, Merkin Concert Hall, Purdue Convocations, the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, and many others across the United States.

Ms. Wang has been a featured soloist with many orchestras including the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, the California North State Symphony Orchestra, and the Meadows Symphony Orchestra in Dallas. She has performed internationally with the Academic Symphony Orchestra of the National Philharmonic Society of Ukraine and the Romanian Mihail Jora Philharmonic Orchestra in Italy.

She won first prize at the 2017 Wideman International Piano Competition in Louisiana, the 2018 Meadows Concerto Competition in Dallas, and the 2018 CAG International Victor Elmaleh Competition in New York City. She also was a top-prize winner at both the Hamamatsu International Piano Academy Competition (Japan) and at the Chautauqua Music Festival piano Competition (New York State). Other festival participation includes the International Keyboard Institute & Festival (winner of the Artist Recognition Scholarship Awards) and the 2021 Music@Menlo Festival with performances in a dozen live chamber music concerts in collaboration with eminent artists including Gilbert Kalish, Paul Neubauer, and Kristin Lee. Born in Beijing, Ms. Wang began playing piano at age four, going on to study at the music high school of the Central Conservatory of Music. In 2016 she was awarded a full scholarship for her Performer’s Diploma under the tutelage of pianist Alessio Bax at Southern Methodist University. She lives in New York and is pursuing her undergraduate degree at The Juilliard School as a student of Robert McDonald.

R E P E R T O I R E ROUND I Scriabin Yi, Chen Liszt

ROUND II Rachmaninoff Schumann ROUND III Mozart Rachmaninoff ROUND IV Rachmaninoff 50

Valse in A-flat major, Op. 38 Ba Ban Après une lecture du Dante: Fantasia quasi sonata, S. 161/7 Daisies in F major, Op. 38/3 Sonata No. 1 in F-sharp minor, Op. 11 Sonata No. 13 in B-flat major, K. 333 Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 28 Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18

2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

COMPETITORS

QUANZHOU YAN COUNTRY – Republic of China AGE – 27 HOST FAMILY – Linda and Dave Dreisbach Quanzhou Yan has performed in concerts and solo recitals as well as national and international festivals around the world. He has won top awards in many competitions, including first prize at the National Bakhchiyeva Piano Competition (2013, Russia), the 10th Way to Master International Piano Competition (2014, Russia), and the Semper Music International Competition (2018, Italy). He is also the winner of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Steinway Young Artist Piano Competition in the south-central division in both 2020 and 2021.

Mr. Yan attended the Semper Music International Festival in 2018 and the PianoTexas International Festival in 2019 and 2021, where he received instruction from internationally recognized pianists and pedagogues including Pascal Rogé, Yoheved Kaplinsky, Jacob Katsnelson, Arie Vardi and Stephen Hough.

He was a winner in 2016 of the Texas Christian University Concerto Competition with the TCU Orchestra under the baton of Alexander Fokkens. Mr. Yan has also composed a cadenza for Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21, K. 467 which he performed with the Rostov Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Alexander Mileikovsky.

Mr. Yan began studying piano at age five. In 2011 he was accepted to the Central Conservatory of Music in China and the Rostov State Rachmaninov Conservatory in Russia.

During his five years at the Rachmaninov Conservatory, he successfully completed his Bachelor of Music degree in the studio of critically acclaimed professor and People’s Artist of Russia, Rimma Skolohodova. In 2018 he graduated with a Master of Music degree at Texas Christian University under the guidance of esteemed pianist and pedagogue Dr. Tamás Ungár. Following graduation, he was awarded a full scholarship and will pursue his Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance at TCU.

R E P E R T O I R E ROUND I Scriabin Bartók

Preludes, Nos. 1 – 5, Op. 17 Dance Suite, Sz. 77

ROUND III Schubert Medtner

Sonata in A minor, D. 784 Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op.5

ROUND II Poulenc Trois Novelettes, FP 47/173 Chopin Prelude in C-sharp minor, Op. 45 Chopin Nocturne No. 2 in E major, Op. 62 Prokofiev 10 Pieces for Piano, Nos. 1. March, III. Rigaudon, VII. Prelude, X. Scherzo, Op. 12

ROUND IV Tchaikovsky

Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23 HHIPC.ORG

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COMPETITORS

WILLIAM YANG COUNTRY – United States AGE – 20 HOST FAMILY – Laura and Bret Jacobowitz William Yang has been recognized in several competitions including second prize at the 2014 Midwest International Piano Competition, sixth prize at the 2018 Thomas and Evon Cooper International Piano Competition, and he was a semifinalist and winner of the special Bach Prize at the 2015 Cleveland International Piano Competition for Young Artists.

As a soloist, Mr. Yang has appeared with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra, and Minnesota Orchestra.

He entered the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in September 2019 and currently studies with Robert McDonald. All students at Curtis receive merit-based, full-tuition scholarships, and Mr. Yang is the Robert Ehrman Fellow. His previous teachers were Alexander Korsantia and Paul Wirth. Mr. Yang has also taken instruction from Hung-Kuan Chen, Yoheved Kaplinsky, Antonio Pompa-Baldi, Gary Graffman, Peter Takács, Boris Berman and Andre Watts, among others.

He began piano at age four and gave his first performances at age seven. Outside of piano, William enjoys lifting weights and playing table tennis.

R E P E R T O I R E ROUND I Bach Scriabin

ROUND II Chopin

ROUND III Mozart Tchaikovsky Prokofiev ROUND IV Chopin

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Partita No. 1 in B-flat major, BWV 825 Fantasie in B minor, Op. 28 Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58 Sonata No. 9 in D major, K. 311 Dumka, Op. 59 Sonata No. 6 in A minor, Op. 82 Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11

2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

COMPETITORS

MUZI ZHAO COUNTRY – Republic of China AGE – 22 HOST FAMILY – Ingrid and Craig Boatwright Muzi Zhao began studying piano at the age of four under the tutelage of Ying Zheng.

He studied with Gabriel Kwok from 2008 to 2016 in the Junior Music Program at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and with Alan Chow and James Giles at Northwestern University from 2016 to 2021. In 2021, he was accepted to the Master of Music program in Piano at the Yale School of Music with a full scholarship and is currently studying with Boris Berman.

Muzi has won awards at numerous competitions including fourth prize at the Gina Bachauer International Junior Piano Competition (2012), gold prize at the 14th Chopin International Piano Competition in Asia (2013), first prize at the Kawai Asian Piano Competition (2013), fifth prize at the Ettlingen International Competition for Young Pianists (2014), third prize at the PianoArts North American Competition (2018), Prize Atena 2/ACIM (2019, Portugal), second prize at the Brancaleoni International Online Piano Competition (2020), third prize at the 2021 MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) Young Artist Piano Competition and second prize at the Weatherford College International Piano Competition (2021, Texas).

He was awarded the 2021 Luminarts Classical Piano Fellowship from the Luminarts Cultural Foundation. Recent musical activities include performances with the Torun Symphony Orchestra (Poland), Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Sichuan Philharmonic Orchestra as resident artist. As a solo artist, he has performed recitals at venues including Chicago Arts Club, Shenzhen Concert Hall, Poli Theatre, Galvin Recital Hall, Alkek Fine Arts Center, and Carnegie Hall.

R E P E R T O I R E ROUND I Mozart Chopin Albéniz

Rondo No. 1 in D major, K. 485 Fantasy No. 1 in F minor, Op. 49 Triana from Iberia Suite Book 2, No. 3

ROUND III Scriabin Schumann

Sonata No. 6, Op. 62 Kreisleriana, Op. 16

ROUND II Beethoven Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109 Messiaen Regard de l’esprit de joie from Vingt regards sur l’enfant Jésus, No. 10

ROUND IV Prokofiev

Concerto No. 3 in C major, Op. 26

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MY FAVORITE THING TO DO When Not Playing The Piano

DMITRII KALASHNINOV When I am not playing the piano I love to teach.

JI-HYANG GWAK Practicing Taekwondo kicks!

ELZBIETA BILICKA Spending time outdoors with my family, friends, and our dogs.

QUANZHOU YAN Hiking. Being immersed in nature and breathing fresh air helps refresh my mind and spirit.

NAN NI Being with my dog, or any dog :)

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2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

MY FAVORITE THING TO DO

When Not Playing The Piano

ELIZAVETA KLIUCHEROVA My parents are artists and I, too, love to paint.

SAHUN HONG Riding my scooter in places with a good view.

ANTHONY RATINOV Traveling and spending time with friends. This photo was taken in Copenhagen.

JAEDEN IZIK-DZURKO Cross-country skiing in the beautiful mountains that surround my hometown in British Columbia.

YUVAL CHEN Camping in the middle of nowhere Colorado.

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MY FAVORITE THING TO DO When Not Playing The Piano

XIAOXUAN LI Walking in Central Park.

QUANLIN WANG Playing badminton.

WILLIAM YANG Going to the gym and working out.

YINUO WANG Throwing a baseball in Central Park.

MUZI ZHAO Playing sports!

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2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

MY FAVORITE THING TO DO

When Not Playing The Piano

YUZHANG LI Walking is movement that relieves me from a closed place and reshapes my senses towards the outside world. The photo was taken in Aylesbury, outside of London late on a winter afternoon.

SEONGWOO MOON PIPO painting. I’m very proud when I see the completed picture.

ILLIA OVCHARENKO Sports. I am also fond of origami.

ALEXANDER AGATE Reading (or sleeping), but I sent a picture of my dog.

JONATHAN MAMORA Discovering new foods and restaurants I've never tried before. II also really enjoy cooking, especially since I get to eat the food afterwards!

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PAST DISTINGUISHED JUDGES Natalya Antonova • Russia Joseph Banowetz • USA Jonathan Bass • USA Andrea Bonatta • Italy Bruce Brubaker• USA Angela Cheng • Hong Kong Alan Chow • USA Alvin Chow • USA Heather Conner • USA Mirian Conti • Argentina/USA Jane Coop • Canada Ran Dank • Israel/USA Pavlina Dokovska • Bulgaria Irina Edelstein • Russia Christopher Elton • United Kingdom José Feghali • Brazil Peter Frankl • United Kingdom Kemal Gekic • Croatia John Giordano • USA Bernd Goetzke • Germany Martin Goldsmith • USA Enrique Graf • Uruguay/USA Marian Hahn • USA Kevin Hampton • USA Gayle Martin Henry • USA Ian Hobson • England Leslie Howard • Australia/England Douglas Humpherys • USA Choong-Mo Kang • S. Korea Daejin Kim • S. Korea Alexander Korsantia • Russia Gabriel Kwok • P.R. of China Ruth Laredo • USA Soyeon Kate Lee • South Korea/USA Marina Lomazov • Ukraine/USA Miyoko Lotto • Japan Jerome Lowenthal • USA Faina Lushtak • Ukraine/USA Julian Martin • USA Robert McDonald • USA Dominique Merlet • France Evans Mirageas • USA Yong Hi Moon • South Korea Hiroko Nakamura • Japan 58

2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Pavel Nersessian • Russia

Vladimir Ovchinnikov • Russia John O’Conor • Ireland

Ronan O’Hora • Great Britain Piotr Paleczny • Poland John Perry • USA

Daniel Pollack • USA Paul Pollei • USA

Antonio Pompeo-Baldi • Italy Jorge Luis Prats • Cuba

Menahem Pressler • Israel/USA Joseph Rackers • USA

Matti Raekallio • Finland

Edith Finton Reiber • USA

Santiago Rodriguez • Cuba/USA Jerome Rose • USA Ann Schein• USA

André-Michel Schub • France Orli Shaham • USA/Israel Robert Sherman • USA Lori Sims • USA

Logan Skelton • USA

Boris Slutsky • Russia/USA Mykola Suk • Ukraine

Peter Takács • Romania/USA Zhe Tang • P.R. of China

Erik Tawaststjerna • Finland Christopher Taylor • USA Nelita True • USA

Valerie Tryon • England

Tamás Ungár • Hungary/USA

Blanca Uribe • Colombia/USA Irma Vallecillo • USA Arie Vardi • Israel

Mikhail Voskresensky • Russia Alan Walker • England Janice Weber • USA

Nancy Weems • USA

Frank Weinstock • USA Robert Weirich • USA Jack Winerock • USA

Xu Zhong • P.R. of China

Yafen Zhu • P.R. of China

PAST PRIZE WINNERS 2000 – 2020

2000 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Petronel Malan • South Africa Coung Hung Van • Vietnam Georgi Slavchev • Bulgaria

2001 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Edisher Savitski • Republic of Georgia Uri Blinov • Belarus Hea Jung Cho • S. Korea

2002 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Konstantin Soukhovetski • Russia Dustin Gledhill • USA Esther Jung-A Park • S. Korea

2003 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Chu-Fang Huang • P. R. of China Sean Kennard • USA Jean-Francois Latour • Canada

2004 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Andrew Le • Vietnam Hong Xu • P. R. of China Elizabeth Schumann • USA

2005 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Di Wu • P. R. of China ChenXin Xu • P. R. of China Ryo Yanagitani • Canada

2006 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Dmitri Levkovich • Ukraine Diyi Tang • P. R. of China Daniil Sayamov • Russia

2007 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Eric Zuber • USA Alexey Koltakov • Australia/USA Charlie Albright • USA

2008 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Ran Dank • Israel Yelena Beriyeva • Republic of Georgia Takashi Yamamoto • Japan

2009 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Michail Lifits • Germany Chetan Tierra • USA Marouan Benabdallah • Hungary/Morocco

2010 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Lukáš Vondráček • Czech Republic Ilya Maximov • Russia Rina Sudo • Japan

2011 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize 4th Prize 5th Prize 6th Prize

Zhu Wang • P. R. of China Drew Petersen • USA Jin-Hong Li • P. R. of China Ruixue Zhang • P. R. of China Micah McLaurin • USA Kate Liu • Singapore

2012 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize

Jin Uk Kim • S. Korea Wai Yin Wong • Hong Kong Steven Lin • USA

2013 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize 4th Prize 5th Prize

Leonardo Colafelice • Italy Jinhyung Park • S. Korea Tony Yike Yang • Canada SaeYoon Chon • S. Korea Yiou Li • P.R. of China

2014 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize Gorodnitzki Prize

Shen Lu • P. R. of China Miao Huang • Germany EunAe Lee • S. Korea Brian Lin • P.R. China

2015 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize Finalist Finalist Gorodnitzki Prize

Elliot Wuu • USA Xiaoxuan Li • P.R. of China Elisabeth Tsai • USA Elizaveta Kliuchereva • Russia Tommy Jing Yu Leo • Singapore JaeHong Park • S. Korea

2016 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize Gorodnitzki Prize

Chang Yong Shin • S. Korea Tristan Teo • Canada Sae Yoon Chon • S. Korea Hee Jun Han • S. Korea

2017 1st Prize Ray Ushikubo • USA 2nd Prize Andrew Li • USA 3rd Prize Jaeden Izik-Dzurko • Canada Finalist Arthur Wang • Canada Finalist Hoi Leong Cheong • Hong Kong/ Macao Gorodnitzki Prize Biguo Xing • P.R. China Takács Classical Jaeden Izik-Dzurko • Canada Sonata Prize

2019 1st Prize Chaeyoung Park • South Korea 2nd Prize Jakub Kuszlik • Poland 3rd Prize Anna Han • USA Gorodnitzki Prize Anna Han • USA 2020 1st Prize 2nd Prize 3rd Prize Finalist Finalist Gorodnitzki Prize Takács Classical Sonata Prize

Kevin Chen • Canada Pyotr Akulov • Russia Tyler Kim • USA Ryunosuke Kishimoto • Japan Kasey Shao • USA Catherine Huang • USA Tyler Kim • USA

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Celebrating Over 50 Years of Fine Art in the Lowcountry

STEPHEN SCOTT YOUNG

40 Calhoun Street • Suite 201 Bluffton, South Carolina 29910 843.842.4433 • 843.247.2049 redpianoartgallery.com Stephen Scott Young

Mr. James Johnson

DryBrush 21¾” x 16¾”

WEILL HALL RECITAL 2022 WINNER’S RECITAL Friday, October 14, 2022 Engagement underwritten

by The Nan and Charles Strauch Family

PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . Edisher Savitski

2002. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Konstantin Soukhovetski 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . Chu-Fang Huang 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Le 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Di Wu

2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dmitri Levkovich 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eric Zuber 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ran Dank

2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michail Lifits

2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lukáš Vondráček

HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

THE HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION PRESENTS 2019 FIRST PRIZE WINNER

2012 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jin Uk Kim 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shen Lu

Chaeyoung Park is a young artist of genuine musicality, great artistic personality, impressive virtuosity, and most engaging stage presence.

2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chang Yong Shin 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chaeyoung Park

• Pavlina Dokovska, Chair 2019 HHIPC

Chaeyoung

PARK

WINNER’S RECITAL In 2001, the Competition introduced a debut recital at Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall as a component of first prize. It was hoped this award would attract applicants who were qualified to perform on the New York stage. Applications in 2002 numbered over 100—nearly double the previous year’s. The number continues to increase and the caliber of performers is very high. The recital and the resulting media exposure are extremely valuable for a pianist’s resume and enhance the possibilities for future performances.

I N

R E C I T A L

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27TH, 2019 AT 7:30 PM WEILL RECITAL HALL AT CARNEGIE HALL WORKS BY LIGETI, RAVEL, BARTÓK & BRAHMS

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE CARNEGIE HALL BOX OFFICE AT 57TH STREET & SEVENTH AVENUE, OR BY CALLING CARNEGIECHARGE 212.247.7800

The opportunity to hear our winner perform in such a magnificent hall is very exciting. You are invited to join us in New York City on October 14, 2022.

ON-LINE TICKET SERVICE: WWW.CARNEGIEHALL.ORG TICKETS: $40 (STUDENTS: $15 ON SALE AT CARNEGIE BOX OFFICE ONLY) PHOTO BY THOMAS BRUNOT

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IT TAKES A COMMUNITY...

The HHIPC has grown significantly since its inception in 1996. From the beginning it has been about people, and the number of individuals who have touched the event through the years would certainly number in the thousands. One of the things that sets the HHIPC apart is that competitors are hosted in private homes rather than hotels or dormitories. For ten days, a host family becomes their competitor’s local support system — housing and feeding them, driving them to events, listening to hours of practice and cheering them on. They get to know each other well, sometimes travelling to visit and attend their performances in other parts of the world. Many host families invite their competitors to come back to Hilton Head. Many accept and bring their own families, thus establishing close, multi-generational ties for a lifetime. We salute the more than 200 people who have opened their hearts and homes to HHIPC competitors. They are your friends and neighbors, and they deserve a round of applause.

Mary and Chris Albright James Edward Alexander Marilyn and Buzz Althans Natalie Ambrose Betty and Patrick Amer Phyllis and Ken Anderson Victor and Peggy Arrington Peggy and Hal Ashworth Dede Bethke Ingrid and Craig Boatright Dom and Estie Bonanno Judy and Stewart Brown Betsy and Dan Brown Christina and Ernst Bruderer Jean and Merle Buck Marlene and Jack Cain Gloria and Brian Carmines Ginny and Dan Castro Sandra and Fred Caswell Pam and Peter Cooper Leslie and Brian Cosacchi Scottie Davis Sally and Bob Davis Sunny and Jay DeZeeuw Joan and Robert Diamond Linda and Dave Dreisbach Don Flora and Janet Stallmeyer Lou and Morris Drucker Carol and Gene Dunn Ethel Dunn Karen and Buck Edwards Anne and Nick Esposito Elinor and Abe Essig Carolyn and John Fellows Betsy and Jeff Ferguson Anuska and Marc Frey Judy and Joe Gimbel Cynthia and George Gorski-Popiel Mickey and Alan Graham Debby Graves and Jeanie Blankenbaker Doris and Mel Green

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Gene and John Griz Linda and Kurt Hanaway Allyson and Joe Harden Sharon and Gordon Hassing Susan and Bob Hawkins Carolyn and Paul Haynes Nancy and Tom Heberling Phyllis and Richard Herdendorf Jennifer and Jeff Herrin Ray Hickey Victoria and Gary Holdren Barbara Holmes Pam Horrisberger Jeannie and Rich Hughes Carolee and Ed Hutton Bradley Jacobs Laura and Bret Jacobowitz Michael Kolody Marianne and George Krall Bev and Chuck Landguth Nancy and Chip Lee Wanda Leopold Eleanor and Paul Leby Susan and Peter Lievense Doris and Joseph Lindner Barbara and Leonard Liptak Jim and Clare Mackie Liz and Jim MacLeod Dot and Joe Maggi Mary and Tony Marshall Josie and Biff Mautz Sherry and Scott McGovern Winnie and Philip McKee Caroline McVitty Edna Ruth and Vernon Miller Beckie and John Minchey Christa and Dan Mondoro Peggi Moon Rebecca and Bob Morris Holly and Bob Nadeau Janine and David Nelson

2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Marti and Jim Neumeister Kathleen and Guy Pandola Kathie and John Patten Betsy and Art Pehrson Maggy-Pierre Pelissier Lois and Roy Plekenpol Connie and Jim Plumstead Ruth and George Prust Jan and Bill Raisch Kay Redard and Bob Richards Ruth and Burt Reinhold Hannah and Del Reinmuth Maxene and Michael Rogers Liz and Jack Rufe Maureen and Keith Schlegel Lauren and Van Schweibert Richy and Grant Schoonmaker Elaine and Syd Small Mieke and Hendrik Smit Barbara Sorkin Ellie and John Staub Krystyna and Carl Stetz Nan and Charles Strauch Lois and Edward Sugarman Annemarie and Richard Tardif Ellen and Charles Taylor Kathy Taylor Irma Tenkate Beth and Tim Thomas Linda and Allan Vingelen Jim and Judy Vogel Debbie and Dick Waterman Virginia and Rocky Whitehead Kathy and Ed Wilcox Sandra and Terrence Willis Carla and Stutz Wimmer Vicky and Larry Winters Edith Young Rhetta and Buzz Yount Gail and Mike Znacho

THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING A HOST FAMILY — PRICELESS Debby Graves, Mieke and Hendrik Smit, Cynthia and George Gorski-Popiel, and Jan and Bill Raisch share memories of hosting HHIPC competitors.

DEBBY GRAVES Debby’s first year as an HHIPC host was in 2011, the debut year for the Young Artists Competition. Her competitor was 17-year-old Albert Wang from the US. Says Debby, “Albert did not make it to the Finals and was quite upset. Having no previous experience on how to handle the situation, I decided to rent a funny movie — The Italian Job. Albert, his mother and I all sat on top of a queen size bed with a bowl of popcorn. There were a lot of laughs, and everyone felt better.”

Since then, Debby has gone on to host other competitors, relating that South Korean EunAe Lee has been her favorite so far. She was 26 when she competed in Hilton Head.

That was in 2014 and EunAe came in third at the Finals playing Tchaikovsky’s Concerto No. 1. In 2017 EunAe was selected as one of the 30 finalists at The Cliburn. She earned her doctorate from Northwestern University, got married and lives in Boston. They have stayed in touch.

EunAe Lee

Says Debby, “Now we are on Facebook together and I still get to hear her music.”

THE SMIT’S A very “experienced” host family, Mieke chose to share memories of time spent with their 2001 competitor when the HHIPC was only six years young. Yin Zheng was 20 years old when she competed here. Born and raised in Shanghai, she was studying at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, having taken early training in her native China. Says Mieke, “Yin Zheng’s second language was French. That's why she was placed with us. Hendrik and I had recently moved back from France and I even knew her teacher there. This was her first trip to the United States, and she had very little competition experience. She was angry when she did not advance after the first round and told us that we should not go back and listen to the other competitors. She admitted later this had been very childish.”

“When Yin Zheng graduated from the Brussels Conservatory, she applied to six music schools in the US and came for the interviews. By then she spoke a little English and she had plotted her itinerary with great care. I remember she went to Peabody, Eastman, Yale, Juilliard and a couple of others. Her last stop was at Yale and from there she got on a Greyhound bus and spent 24 hours getting to Ridgeland, South Carolina where we picked her up. She stayed for a deep rest.”

“Every school accepted her and offered scholarship money. Yin Zheng chose Eastman where she studied with Nelita True and ultimately earned a doctorate. The two of them traveled to China and played concertos for two pianos. She ended up teaching in Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University. About six years ago she came back with her dad to show him the place she had stayed when she first came to the US. They spent a weekend with us, and it was wonderful! We have also seen her in Washington DC since.”

Yin Zheng

“Yin Zheng married an Italian pianist and has a little boy. I believe they live in Italy. She regularly keeps in touch.”

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HOST FAMILIES

THE GORSKI-POPIEL’S To say that the Gorski-Popiel’s are a veteran host family is an understatement….

“We went to the IPC finals for the first time in 2000. At the time, we were only contemplating being a host family. We met the winner, Petronel Malan from South Africa, who performed such a spirited rendition of Ravel’s La Valse that the strap on her gown broke; without missing a note, she pushed it back and finished the piece with gusto.

The next year, we plunged into being a host family and have, except for one year, either hosted a competitor or a judge. In the early years, when those who were eliminated in the first round had to stick around for the rest of the competition, we started hosting a “make your own pizza party” for competitors and their host families. Both the kids and adults always had a great time. In 2010, when we were hosting Elena Koshelevskaya, it turned into a recital of party pieces from the competitors. Some of the host families also played!”

“Some of the competitors we have hosted over the years and with whom we’ve stayed in touch are: Shan-Shan Sun, who ate little dried red peppers like candy and moved from China to the US recently to teach; Amber Liao, an older competitor who found a teaching job in New Jersey; Greg DeTurck whom George took out with two other competitors after they didn’t make it to the semi-finals and they danced until after midnight; Michel Pol who lives in his home country of Estonia and is frequently in touch; Sergei Kasprov who lives in Moscow, has become a proud father and has had a successful career; Lindsay Garritson whose career we’ve followed and cheered from a distance; Jun Sun from China who was part of an exceptional group of young pianists in 2012 including Henry Kramer, Andrew Tyson, and Fei Fei Dong who spent time hanging out with us and whom George took to Bear Creek Golf Club and Jakub Kuszlik taught how to swing a golf club; Anastasia Naplekova who is teaching in Florida; Jakub Kuszlik (“Kuba”) who won second prize at the HHIPC in 2019; and Hans-Derek Yu, whom we hosted, not once, but twice, and were lucky enough to get to know his parents and grandmother, whose best friend and fellow Chinese opera star lives up the street from us! There are also many competitors who stayed with other families whom we got to know, keep in touch with and follow their careers like Greg Anderson and Elizabeth Roe, Eric Zuber, Edisher Savitski, and Zhu Wang.”

“Hosting can be exciting when one’s competitor does well. We try to make sure each person is able to practice when and how he or she prefers and to make the experience as stress free as possible. We’ve been hosts to those who didn’t do as well as they had hoped and it seems the most valuable thing one can do is to listen and give comfort, be encouraging, and provide some sort of diversion."

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2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

HOST FAMILIES

"Once, in the case of Daniel, a 17-year-old Russian high school student who kept telling George that he was going to run away and get married, it’s providing a little counseling discouraging rash action. Being a host family has been a wonderful experience and one we’re looking forward to again this year!"

Natalia Kazarian

THE RAISCH’S—A TALE OF DELIGHT “Our story as a host family began in 2005 when we hosted Natalia Kazarian from the Republic of Georgia. Petite with an engaging personality and classic red stilettos, she provided a wonderful introduction to the role of a host family. We had the privilege of hosting her again during her second appearance in 2007.”

“Between Natalia’s visits, Tian Tian from the Republic of China stayed with us in 2006. Once again, our hosting experience was delightful as we enjoyed not only the sounds of beautiful classical music, but also developed a strong bond with our competitor. Since Natalia and Tian Tian both studied at Julliard in New York city, we visited them shortly thereafter when on a trip to New England. Needless to say, it was a joyous reunion!”

“The story continued through the years (2005-2020) with the same outcomes: feelings of delight at being able to experience such outstanding musical talent provided by gifted young musicians who were easy to host and added so much richness to our lives! The responsibilities we assumed as hosts were easily accomplished without disrupting our daily routines.”

“We are grateful to Mona Huff, the HHSO, and all in Hilton Head who through the years have made the HHIPC experience possible—it has been a meaningful addition to our lives. We treasure the memories!”

There are some common themes here — a very personal experience leading to lasting friendships, the satisfaction of having played a small role in the budding careers of exceptional young artists, and being easy to fit into one’s life. A private concert in your living room of some of the most beautiful music ever written doesn’t hurt either!

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2022 DONORS As of February 7, 2022 GIFT OF $10,000+

The Nan and Charles Strauch Family

GIFT OF $5000 - $9999

Mary and Mike Briggs Joan and Charles Dattelbaum Mila Sheeline and Ryan Huff Tarrant and Mary Ann Putnam Diana Riggle

GIFT OF $2000 - $4999

David and Nancy Borghesi Bob and Heather Cherichella Michael and Susan Harter Joe and Mona Huff Bret and Laura Jacobowitz Joan and Bob Koenig Ray and Linda Moloney Susan Parrish Mary Princing Sylvia Richards Constance Silvester Judy and Bill Thorpe

GIFT OF $1000 - $1999

Peggy Ashworth Stephen and Karen Ball Dede Bethke Dan and Betsy Brown Liz and Todd Clist George Concha Stan Cooke Ted and Clair Craver Ralph and Sandy Drayer Eileen and Jerry Durkin Peter and Cary Fleming Don Flora and Janet Stallmeyer Mary Ann and John Goodrich Kathy Grote Candace Hough Darnell Lattal Laura Marks Judy McCracken Peggi Moon Jim and Marty Neumeister George Constant Sakakini Doug Tozour Carol Tucker Jim and Florence Willard Bill and Kathy Zurilla

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GIFT OF $500 - $999

Chris and Mary Albright Jillian and Malcolm Binks Estie and Dom Bonanno Bob and Darle Booher Mike and Ginger Caporal David Coquilette Bill and Linda DeArment Chuck and Linda Eberly Buck and Karen Edwards Patty and Dave Ekedahl Jay and Trish Elliot Sally Evans Barbara Fleisher Peter Forbes Debby Graves Lynn Gustafson Carol and Frederick Hack Karin Haupstein HHSO Musicians Barbara Holmes Gail Kaess George and Marianne Krall Juan and Christine Lacerda Myla Lerner and Larry Kramer Miyoko N. Lotto Clare and Jim Mackie Joann McElvary and Fred Wolf Nancy Minor William and Geraldine Murray Mary Noonan Tim and Mona Ridge Jeffrey Roberts Nina and Stewart Rodman Frances and Charles Sampson Carla Seebald Clare Seliger Anne Senf Charles and Patricia Sinatra Hendrik and Mieke Smit Barbara Sorkin Lorene Thornbury Jerry and Connie Voight Jim Way Julie Williams Lois Wilson Barbara Wolf Buzz and Rhetta Yount Occasionally mistakes and omissions occur. Please let us know if there is an error in your listing.

2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

GIFT OF $100 - $499

Sherman and Carol Barker Ginny and Dan Castro John and Barbara Collins Debbie and Ty Cook Tacy Edwards Janet England Bender Charlie Frost Dorothy Holmes Lois Hoyt Berry Nancy Hudak Laurel and Richard Johnson Betty Ann Keane Rick and Nefelia Keenbaugh Mark and Maria Larson Ingrid Low Bob and Eloise Mason MJ McGoldrick Betsy Pehrson Betsy and Bob Roll Sheila and Bill Standen

GIFT UP TO $99

Jonathan Aceto Bob and Shirley Alberti Barbara Altman Sally and Bob Berman Barbara Borg Ann Cafferty Jason Economides Joseph Farley Micah Gangwer Anne Holmi Mario Incorvaia David Katz Catherine Klimoff Hardy Lizhou Liu Angela Loizides Susan Magg Stephanie Mason Ray McClain Kelly Odell Matt Peebles Lucy Scandrett Debra Sherrill Ward C. Gerome Stewart Lauren Stuligross Maria Volynets Vadim Volynets Jeff Watson Mary Ann Watson Jonathan Wright

88 KEY SOCIETY The 88 Key Society is limited to a maximum of 88 members, each of whom “owns” one or more specific keys of the “competition piano.” One becomes a member of this exclusive group with an annual donation of $500 per key. Members enjoy special recognition and benefits including: • Their name on their key(s) of the 88 Key Society keyboard displayed at all HHSO and HHIPC events throughout the concert season •P referred seating for tickets purchased for HHIPC events •L isting in the HHIPC program book and on the HHIPC and HHSO websites • I nvitations to all exclusive 88 Key Society special events held throughout 2021-2022 including an evening hosted by Custom Audio Video featuring hors d’oeuvres, libations, and a film screening.

88 KEY SOCIETY • 2022 MEMBERS Chris and Mary Albright Peggy Ashworth Dede Bethke Malcolm and Jillian Binks Estie and Dominick Bonanno Darle and Bob Booher Nancy and Dave Borghesi Mary and Mike Briggs Betsy and Dan Brown Ginger and Mike Caporal Heather and Bob Cherichella David Coquillette Clair and Ted Craver Joan and Charles Dattelbaum Linda and Bill DeArment Sandy and Ralph Drayer Eileen and Jerry Durkin Linda and Charles Eberly Karen and Buck Edwards Patty and Dave Ekedahl Trish and Jay Elliot Sally Evans Cary and Peter Fleming Mary Ann and John Goodrich Debby Graves Kathy Grote Lynn Gustafson Carol and Frederick Hack Susan and Michael Harter Karin Haupstein Candace Hough HHSO Musicians Mila Sheeline and Ryan Huff Mona and Joe Huff Laura and Bret Jacobowitz Joan and Bob Koenig Marianne and George Krall Christine and Juan LaCerda

Myla Lerner and Larry Kramer Miyoko Lotto Clare and Jim Mackie Laura Marks Nancy Minor Linda and Ray Moloney Peggi Moon Jane and William Murray Marty and Jim Neumeister Mary Noonan Susan Parrish Mary Princing Mary Ann and Terry Putnam Sylvia Richards Mona and Tim Ridge Diana Riggle Jeffrey Roberts Nina and Stewart Rodman Dr. George Constant Sakakini Frances and Charles Sampson Clare Seliger Anne Senf In memory of Bradley Jacobs

Patricia and Charles Sinatra Mieke and Hendrik Smit Barbara Sorkin Lorene Thornbury Judy and Bill Thorpe Carol Tucker Connie and Jerry Voight Jim Way Florence and James Willard Julie Williams In memory of Henry J. Williams Lois Wilson Barbara Wolf Rhetta and Buzz Yount Kathy and Bill Zurilla

As of January 25, 2022

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PAY FOR A PIPER Celebrate Our Conductor Constance Silvester

Vie for a Violin

Cary and Peter Fleming Mary Ann and John Goodrich Mona and Joe Huff Mila Sheeline and Ryan Huff Peggi Moon

Value a Viola

Linda and Ray Moloney

Choose a Cello

Betsy and Dan Brown Joan and Bob Koenig Diana Riggle Constance Silvester

Bank on a Bass

Heather and Bob Cherichella Judy and Bill Thorpe

Favor a Flute

Joan and Charlie Dattelbaum Mona and Joe Huff

Opt for an Oboe

Mary Princing Constance Silvester Bill and Kathy Zurilla

Clamor for a Clarinet

Laura and Bret Jacobowitz

Book a Bassoon

Susan and Michael Harter

Highlight a Horn Barbara Holmes

Target a Trumpet Peggy Ashworth

Tap into Timpani

Sandy and Ralph Drayer Constance Silvester

Have a Harp Mary Princing

Tout a Tuba

Karen and Alan Jordan As of January 25, 2022

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Our fabulous HHSO musicians are an “instrumental” part of the piano competition as they accompany the finalists’ concerto performances.

“Pay for a Piper” offers Competition supporters the chance to salute their favorite instruments and instrumentalists - with a $500 contribution to “pay for the pipers.” We proudly present 2022’s Piper Patrons.

HOST FAMILIES FOR COMPETITORS Mary and Chris Albright Jaeden Izik-Dzurko

Ray Hickey Alexander Agate

DeDe Bethke Nan Ni

Barbara Holmes Elizaveta Kliuchereva

Ingrid and Craig Boatwright Muzi Zhao

Laura and Bret Jacobowitz William Yang

Pam and Peter Cooper Seongwoo Moon

Peggi Moon Yinuo Wang

Linda and Dave Dreisbach Quanzhou Yan

Marty and Jim Neumeister Dmitrii Kalashnikov

Don Flora and Janet Stallmeyer Xiaoxuan Li

Jan and Bill Raisch Anthony Ratinov

Judy and Joe Gimbel Sahun (Sam) Hong

Maureen and Keith Schlegel Jonathan Mamora

Cynthia and George Gorski-Popiel Elzbieta Bilicka

Lauren and Van Schweibert Illia Ovcharenko

Mickey and Alan Graham Yuval Chen

Barbara Sorkin Quanlin Wang

Debby Graves Ji-Hyang Gwak

Kathy Taylor Yuzhang Li

DINNER HOSTS FOR JUDGES Nancy and David Borghesi Heather and Bob Cherichella Eileen and Jerry Durkin Eloise and Bob Mason

Linda and Ray Moloney Mary Noonan Phyllis Patterson

PIANO HOSTS FOR JUDGES James Edward Alexander Lavonne Hales

Linda and Kurt Hanaway Mieke and Hendrik Smit

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2022 COMPETITION COMMITTEE Competition Director – Mona Huff Ambassador Program — Mary Collins Grants/Special Projects — Jim Neumeister Hospitality — Sue Blake, Eileen Durkin Host Families — Barbara Holmes, Peggi Moon Marketing/Social Media — Bob Koenig Musical Feast — Joan Dattelbaum, Eileen Durkin, Peggi Moon Production — Joe Huff Program Advertising — Barbara Sorkin Program Book — Julie Williams Tickets and Merchandise Sales — Lynn Gustafson Transportation — Mike Caporal Volunteers — Bill and Kathy Zurilla

SPECIAL THANKS TO… Sandy Benson – Custom Audio Video Alan Bise, Azica Records – Audio and Streaming Engineers Bistro 17 Charlie’s Etoile Vert Chez Georges Chocolate Canopy Jean-Marie Coté – thefrenchguy Photography Courtyard by Marriott Enterprise Rent-a-Car First Presbyterian Church Fresh Market Mark Gilmour – Video Recording Engineer Charles Grace – Graphic Artist Hampton Inn Harris Teeter Stores Jeff and Jennifer Herrin – Owners, Herrin Piano Hilton Garden Inn Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort Hilton Head Social Bakery Bill and Ann Huff – Provence Package Mark and Lise Husbands – Audio Recording Engineers, Sampler CD

Markel’s Card and Gift Shop Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana Nunzio’s Restaurant & Bar Park Central Hotel, New York Piggly Wiggly Pour Richard’s Restaurant Publix Super Markets, Inc. Mary Ann Putnam – Sampler CD Editor John Morris Russell and Thea Tjepkema Rollers Wines and Spirits Salty Dog Tee Shirts Savannah Hilton Head International Airport Clara and Bob Spinetto – Wine Dinner Hosts Sonesta Resort – Official Hotel St. Luke’s Church Stan Smith – U .S. Open Package Studio One Awards & Engraving Target Corporation The French Bakery & European Cuisine The Village Pasta Shoppe Walmart Inc.

Please consider patronizing the generous companies which support the 2022 Hilton Head International Piano Competition

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2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Congratulations to the competitors chosen to participate in the 2022 Hilton Head International Piano Competition.

Thank you to the volunteers who make the HHIPC possible, and to all of the individuals and businesses who support it financially.

In memory of Michael Sorkin who loved, supported and hosted.

HHIPC.ORG

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2022 HHIPC VOLUNTEERS As of February 11, 2022

Look for our volunteers throughout our venues. Thet are here to welcome and assist you. This dedicated group has been recruited and trained by Bill and Kathy Zurilla. A special thank you to all! If you would like to join us in 2023, please go to HHIPC.org. Look for the Volunteer tab to register.

Kathy Alven

Barbra Lagorio

Pat Angleson

Sue Lievense

Carol Barker

Joy McNeill

Sherman Barker

Anne Moseley

Janet England Bender

Colin Moseley

Catherine Breitholtz Dennis Breitholtz Scott Camp Beth Corry Jpoan Dattelbam Eileen Durkin Eileen Fitzgerald Peter Forbes Mary Ann Goodrich Lynn Gustafson Carol Gyllenhoff Morgan Harrison Karin Haupstein Tim Henserson Sue Henderson Terry Hicks

Barbara Nichols Joyce Prange Prue Preston Connie Rathman Carolyn Robinson Betsy Roll Joan Savage Wayne Savage Pam Schofield Barbara Schulz Julie Scovel Alison Shenkus Megan Sisson Kristina Smith Barton Smith

Candi Hough

Ramona Weakland Warden

Lois Hoyt-Berry

Carey Warden

Frank Imbarrato

Marti Willits

Karen Imbarrato

Laurie Yingling

Laura Kling

Bill Zurilla

Michael Kling

Kathy Zurilla As of February 9, 2022

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2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

SUSTAINING THE COMPETITION BUSINESS SPONSORS PLATINUM LEVEL

Official Competition Piano

Official Hotel

GOLD LEVEL

Master Class Sponsor

Custom Audio Video | Rice Music House | Savannah/ Hilton Head International Airport | The Great Frame Up

SILVER LEVEL

Correll Insurance Group | Hilton Head Lexus | Herrin Piano

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH SPONSOR

Gulfstream

LIVE STREAMING SPONSORS

Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce | Hargray Communications

GRANTORS Town of Hilton Head | Howard Gilman Foundation | R. J. Samulski Innovation Foundation

HHIPC.ORG

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In honor of Mona Huff whose extraordinary dedication, leadership, and love for the HHIPC these past 12 years have been an inspiration to all of us.

Many thanks for all you have done to help make the Hilton Head International Piano Competition the world-class competition that it has become.

Mike Caporal . Joan Dattelbaum . Eileen Durkin Lynn Gustafson . Barbara Homes . Bob Koenig . Peggi Moon Jim Neumeister . Barbara Sorkin . Bill and Kathy Zurilla

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2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

2021-2022

SEASON

CELEBRATIONS

SAVE DATES SAVE THE THE DATES CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS

THE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2021

CELEBRATE 45 SEASONS & TWENTY WITH TIM FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022

CELEBRATE MEMORIAL DAY AMERICA SINGS! Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet

SUNDAY, MAY 29, 2022 All Concerts will be at 7:00 PM

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Thank you for voting us favorite Sushi on Hilton Head for the 9th time!

540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island For more information call 843-341-3818 or go to

HILTONHEADCHORALSOCIETY.ORG

HHIPC.ORG

75

Supporting the Arts on Hilton Head Island since 1973

Congratulations on 40 Years!

Proudly l supporting the ly Hilton Head Symphony n Orchestra ny

palmetto.coop 843-681-5551 RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL The Harbour Town Lighthouse is a trademark of the Sea Pines Resort.

Enhancing People’s Lives through Beautiful Landscaping

76

2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

843-785-3848

•

thegreeneryinc.com

HILTON HEAD • BLUFFTON • BEAUFORT • CHARLESTON • SAVANNAH AMELIA ISLAND • JACKSONVILLE • GREENVILLE • SPARTANBURG

2021-2022

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June 12-19

2022

ERIC LU

MARINA LOMAZOV AND JOSEPH RACKERS Artistic Directors

JON KIMURA PARKER

FABIO BIDINI

SOUTHEASTERN PIANO FESTIVAL

For most up-to-date schedule, tickets, and

AND

information, visit ARTHUR FRASER INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

SOU THE A S TE RNPIANOFE S TIVAL .COM

southeasternpianofestival.com JOYCE YANG

THE CONCERT TRUCK

F OUR CORNERS F INE ART & FRA MING

A UNIQU ELY SOU T HER N C OL L EC T ION

Welcome to the Low Country Lifestyle.

Visit the gallery on May River Road and update your home and lifestyle to the Low Country.

www. fourcornersgallerybluffton.com HHIPC.ORG

77

Your comfort and confidence are just as important as your teeth.

That’s why we take great care of both the smile and the person behind it. Our mission is to provide the highest quality dentistry and patient care available from a dentist in Hilton Head Island. We offer a full range of treatment options that can be personalized to meet your unique needs and expectations.

Robert Savarese, DMD

•

General Practice

21 New Orleans Road, Suite A, Hilton Head Island, SC

843.785.6285

paulsandsavarese@hargray.com

www.thehiltonheaddentist.com

PROUD TO SUPPORT

THE ARTS IN OUR COMMUNITY

Kate Yachini, Broker/REALTOR Carolina Realty GrouP

Call/Text 843.683.5283 • KateYachini.com 78

2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

SELECTION...SERVICE

Proudly supporting

The Hilton Head International Piano Competition Belfair Towne Village 105 Towne Drive • Bluffton, SC 843.815.9485 BelfairWinesandSpirits.com SAVVY SUGGESTIONS...SERENDIPITY

HHIPC.ORG

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HIGHLIGHTS THROUGH THE YEARS

Peter Takács at A Musical Feast

Young Artists Welcome Party

Gabriel Kwok gives a master class

Ambassador Program at Hilton Head Prep

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2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Piano Palooza

Photos by frenchguyphotography

HIGHLIGHTS BRAVOPIANO! 2018

Charlie Albright

Dr. Keller Coker

HHSO Musicians and Fei Fei

Favorite venue All Saints Church

Christian Sands

Cheng Clow Trio HHIPC.ORG

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SOLOS AND CONCERTOS 2016, 2019, 2020

Photos by frenchguyphotography

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2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

MUSICAL FEAST JUBILEE A huge THANK YOU to all who joined us February 5 to celebrate 75 years—40 for the HHSO, 10 for John Morris Russell, and 25 for the HHHIPC. The support of hundreds of individual donors and numerous businesses was overwhelming. Special thanks to those who donated the live auction items.

Thanks also to our magnificent entertainers— Reed Messich, Elliot Wuu and Michael Preacely—who looked as though they were having as much fun as the audience.

Musical Feast Jubilee 2022 set a high bar for the future! We look forward to celebrating with you again next year.

Elliot Wuu and Michael Preacely

Reed Messich, Principal Oboist HHSO

HHIPC.ORG

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SAVE THE DATES!

ZHENNI LI-COHEN IN RECITAL APRIL 30, 2022

A competitor at the HHIPC in 2010, Zhenni returns to the Lowcountry to perform at Soundwaves for the HHIPC’s final special event of the season. Enjoying a busy career, she is “bringing audiences to their feet in her performances around the globe.” Ms. Li is a Steinway artist. Welcome back, Zhenni!

2022 WINNER’S RECITAL AT CARNEGIE’S WEILL RECITAL HALL October 14th, 2022 Join us in New York City this fall for a recital by our 2022 winner.

2022 WINNER’S RETURN ENGAGEMENT WITH THE HILTON HEAD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED

2023 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION MARCH 13 – 18, 2023 The Hilton Head International Piano Competition proudly returns next year to showcase twenty of the world’s most exciting pianists ages 13 – 17.

You won’t want to miss any of these extraordinary events!

HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

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2022 HILTON HEAD INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

L IA IC L FF TE O HO

SET YOUR INNER C L O C K T O

island time Whether you’re shopping our Pearls Market, enjoying great food and drinks at our on-site bars and restaurants, relaxing at Arum Spa or planning your next round at one of our many nearby courses, a stay at Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island helps make your trip a memorable experience.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SONESTA RESORT HILTON HEAD, VISIT sonesta.com/hiltonheadisland SCAN ME

130 SHIPYARD DRIVE | 843.842.2400 | SONESTA.COM /HILTONHEADISLAND

CO O F M FI C PE I A PI A TIT L N O ION

97% OF PIANO SOLOISTS

Choose the Steinway Piano.

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o n e s t e i n way p l a c e • a s t o r i a , n y 1 1 1 0 5 T E L . 1 . 8 0 0 . stei nway S T E I N W A Y. C O M